NEW figures have revealed that the South West is among three areas with the highest levels of homelessness in England.
The latest government statistics show a rise of 23 per cent in street homelessness in England between autumn 2010 and autumn 2011.
Meanwhile, it reveals that London, the South East and the South West have the highest levels of homelessness at 446, 430 and 337 respectively.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, said: “As a nation we should be ashamed of figures showing a 23 per cent rise in rough sleeping.
“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg, with many more people hidden from view and moving from sofa to sofa.
“Tens of thousands of children are growing up in temporary accommodation, including hostels and B&Bs.
“The only way the government can tackle this scandal is with bold, urgent action to address the long-term causes.”
The Rough Sleeping Statistics report, with figures from all 326 local housing authorities in England, shows that there was a rise in the number of people sleeping rough, from 1,768 in autumn 2010 to 2,181 in 2011.
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