Bath and Somerset homelessness rise 'worrying'

Homeless people are more likely to suffer from health problems

A rise in homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset is "extremely worrying", according to a councillor.

According to a council report, 218 households in the area are currently homeless, with another 277 households at risk.

It has also been revealed that almost 200 people have been forced to sleep rough in the last year.

The report warned: "Being homeless for even a short period of time increases the risk of long-term health problems."

It also stated: "The long-term homeless often die at a much younger age than the general population and have a much poorer quality of life."

The council runs a dedicated homeless healthcare service at daily clinics located within the homeless hostel and outreach services.

It is also working to fill the role of a mental health outreach worker.

An annual count of people sleeping rough takes place nationally every autumn over a single night.

The most recent count found 12 people sleeping rough in Bath and North East Somerset, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Problem is underestimated'

Council cabinet member for adult services Alison Born told a scrutiny panel on 11 December: "Nationally and locally rates of homelessness are increasing and the cost of living crisis and the shortage of affordable housing are putting many more families at risk of homelessness."

She described the latest statistics as "extremely worrying", and added that the count "underestimates the scale of the problem".

Ms Born added: "It doesn't count people who are in insecure accommodation and who are sleeping in hostels or night shelters."

At Julian House's Manvers Street Hostel in Bath, there is a takeaway food provision available for clients who are street rough sleeping.

The council has also co-ordinated a directory of warm spaces.