Plymouth homelessness charity calls for action on rough sleeping amid 'highest figures in years'

The boss of a Plymouth homelessness charity says the number of people asking for help in the city is higher than ever before.

Figures seen by ITV Westcountry show almost 200 people visited the Shekinah Mission's drop-in centre last month - a rate of around 50 per day.

Cuts to welfare, the introduction of Universal Credit and problems with the justice system are being blamed for the spike - but the Government says it remains committed to ending rough sleeping in the next few years.

The Council say in some cases, despite offering help, some who live on the streets choose not to accept - and will not engage.

The number of people visiting a vital drop-in centre in Plymouth is rising all the time.

In January 176 different people used the service. By February this was up to almost 200, an average of nearly 50 per day.

The Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler MP, says more than £1.3 million has been given to Plymouth this year to support those who are homeless.

She added that through the rough sleeping initiative, more than 50 extra beds have been provided for rough sleepers.