SOUTHEND had the highest number of rough sleepers in the whole of the East of England, new government figures revealed.

Earlier this week the government published its new figures for the rough sleeping snapshot in England for autumn 2023.

In a single night in autumn 2023, it was counted that Southend has 35 people sleeping rough – the highest in the whole of the East of England.

Kirsty Fields, founder of Off The Streets Southend, was disappointed to see these figures and said it shows how needed their new shelter is.

Off The Streets Southend is set to open up a new shelter at the former Trinity Hotel, in Trinity Avenue.

The property, which is due to open by May, will offer nine bedrooms, and is funded through a £220,000 National Lottery funding.

Kirsty said: “These figures are disappointing to see. But it goes to prove just how much our new shelter is needed.

“I do think Southend is lucky as they have a lot of resources for those in need, but sometimes people just need signposting to these services.

“We are hoping to open the shelter around April or May time. We are still having a lot of building work done to make sure everything is as accessible as possible.”

The government says the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2023 across England has risen by 27 per cent since 2022.

Kirsty added: “We housed 141 at the last shelter and only had five bed spaces so I am feeling positive that with nine bed spaces, we will play a part in contributing to lowering these numbers.

“But it isn’t a case of housing one rough sleeper and the numbers reducing as there is always someone new being made homeless.

“The numbers are high, but we believe that being homeless doesn’t mean being hopeless and we are proud to be part of a number of charities that help to reduce this.”

It was recently revealed an investigative journalist is helping Southend Council pinpoint the scale of homeless people sent to the city by London boroughs which is feared to be in the hundreds.

Del Thomas, from Off the Streets Southend, added: “A lot of accommodation that London councils use is by paying for hotels and B&Bs rather than necessary using housing stock.

“I do think other councils should be flagging up the fact they have placed them in Southend as they are usually vulnerable people and may be at risk of further homelessness further down the line.

“All councils do it, this is nothing new and it does mean people aren’t sleeping on the streets of London which is a good thing. But it does make things more difficult here in Southend.”

In response to the government figures, David Garston, councillor responsible for housing and planning, said: “The rough sleeper count provides a snapshot and indication of the issues being faced locally.

"While it is disappointing that the number has risen and that we have an increase in the number of people sleeping rough on our streets, we also know it is a nationwide issue with figures up 27 per cent across the country.

“In the current economic and financial times, we know it is proving even harder for those struggling to stay afloat, with mounting bills and inflation for example. We are doing all we can.

“The council continually look to provide affordable homes through additional council homes to ease homelessness and the council housing waiting list, and as part of any new build initiatives in our city we make sure that affordable housing is available.

“And we have to remember that at the core of all this are people; people who deserve a roof over their head and somewhere they feel safe.”