Regional Government Offices

There are nine Regional Government Offices (GOs) across England. They represent 10 Whitehall departments to deliver government policies and programmes in their region, liasing with central government through the Regional Co-ordination Unit. Their cross-departmental nature and local knowledge means that they can join up the delivery of policies effectively according to local circumstances. They work with local stakeholders across many areas, on issues ranging from fighting crime to improving public health. Visit the national website for more information about Regional Government Offices and their work in general.

The two main areas regional GOs work in relation to homelessness are:

• Tackling housing needs - this is part of their work under the People and Sustainable Communities programme. The Government Regional Offices' website give more information about their work regarding housing, and links to the nine regions’ housing pages.

• ‘Change Up’ - part of a programme of capacity building for the voluntary and community sector, managed by the Government Regional Offices in partnership with the sector. The Change Up website gives more information about the programme in general. The GO's Change Up websites give region specific information.

Our English Regional Structures briefing gives a more comprehensive guide to regional structures engaged in homelessness issues.