NATIONAL statistics issued in January showed a 268 per cent increase in homelessness in England between 2010 and 2017.

This is a shocking rise, and is a damning indictment of where society is heading as regards housing.

Homelessness is more than just those who rough sleep, but the rough sleepers are the obvious sign that housing needs are not being met.

We do not have enough social housing. The number of council homes is at a new record low, with fewer properties to rent from local authorities than at any point in

almost 50 years.

With high house prices, high rents, and a shortage of low-cost accommodation, the homelessness issue is not going away soon.

Add in the abundance of low-wage jobs with uncertain hours, and the rise in substance abuse, and the challenge is enormous.

Unless Government tackles the issue, and the causes, we will have to get used to seeing more and more sleeping rough.

Councillor Julian Ware-Lane

Labour, Milton