Responding to new government statistics which show an increase in the number of people sleeping rough, Cllr Martin Tett, Local Government Association Housing spokesman, said:
“It is a tragedy when anyone becomes homeless and we know many people sleeping rough will be vulnerable to crime and exploitation and are likely to have complex support needs.
“Councils are currently housing more than 120,000 homeless children and are doing everything they can to prevent and solve homelessness, working closely with partners to place people into secure, appropriate accommodation and equip them with the skills to find work or ensure their health and wellbeing.
“If we want to end homelessness then councils need to be given the powers and funding to adapt welfare reforms and begin building affordable homes again.
“The Government needs to use the upcoming final Local Government Finance Settlement to accept the calls of both the LGA and the cross-party Treasury Select Committee, and completely scrap the cap on the amount councils can borrow to invest in new and existing homes.”