This has prompted the development of a new homelessness and rough sleeping strategy and a series of new and outreach services, utilising existing local expertise.

Cllr Adrian Lawrence, cabinet member for Housing, said: “Rough sleeping only accounts for a small proportion of homelessness. In November 2016 our official count saw one of the most significant increases in rough sleepers anywhere in the country. 42 people were recorded as sleeping rough compared to the more usual number of 0-5 people. This year’s official figure is 9 people rough sleeping. Evidence collated by us in November 2017 revealed that 63 people on one night had no accommodation. Some of these people were sofa surfing, in institutional settings like hospital, or in emergency beds/ shelter. It therefore shows that despite the official numbers, the number of people vulnerable to, and at risk of, rough sleeping remains high.”

Click here to read more: Three new services commissioned to support homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless