Numbers on streets lower than ever

Rough sleeping in England has fallen to its lowest recorded
level, according to government figures.

The number of rough sleepers has fallen to 459, down from 508
last year and a quarter of the 1998 figure of 1,850.

The government said the figure was the result of partnership
working between local authorities and the voluntary sector.

Meanwhile, the number of households accepted by local
authorities as homeless from April to June rose 2 per cent on the
previous quarter to 27,310, but was 17 per cent lower than the same
period last year.

Adam Sampson, director of housing charity Shelter, described the
figures as “a welcome achievement” but said more had to be done to
tackle the more than 100,000 people trapped in temporary
accommodation.