Rough sleeper numbers fall in Greater Manchester for the first time in eight years

A homeless person sleeps on the street in Manchester as people walk past Credit: Press Associatio

The number of rough sleepers in Greater Manchester has fallen for the first time in eight years.

Official figures published today suggest that on the night of the national rough sleeper count last November, all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs’ figures combined showed 229 people sleeping outdoors, a reduction of 49 over the last 12 months.

In eight of the boroughs numbers have either stabilised or fallen, the report found.

The Mayor's office said since the start of November his A Bed Every Night campaign has helped 1,236 people into safe, warm and supported accommodation.

The Mayor's commitment to provide a bed for every rough sleeper in Greater Manchester who wants and needs one every night of this winter regardless of weather or temperatures.

Next month Greater Manchester will launch its Housing First pilot, backed by £7.6 million of Government funding.

Its aim is to provide additional support to a further 400 people over the next three years by establishing accommodation for people facing multiple needs and exclusion, including homeless people.