New figures released by the Department of Communities and Local Government today show that the number of rough sleepers in Salford has doubled from just seven in autumn 2013 to 14 in autumn 2014 when the last count was taken.
However, just before Christmas the Salford Star spent time at the Coffee4Craig night shelter on Lancaster Road where those `rough sleepers' told us directly that they knew of way more than that figure and Fie Lancaster, who co-founded Coffee4Craig, put the number at around forty (see previous Salford Star article click here).
Today, Fie again questioned the official numbers, while not doubting that the amount of rough sleepers in the city has doubled...
"What about the thirty homeless in Narrowgate and the other six or seven who don't get in?" she asked "What about the ones hidden away in car parks, train stations and bus stops like the guys in Little Hulton, Walkden and Swinton? It might be a rough sleeper count but it's not an accurate indication of the homeless problem in Salford. When they bring in the severe weather emergency protocol, how many utilise this? I bet it's more than 14!
"How are there people on the streets in 2015?" she asked "And is that going to double again next year? Or is the Government going to man up and face the issues it has created? They should take from the top and give to the bottom; stop sanctions and organise proper work schemes."
Overall in England, according to official statistics, there's been an increase of 14% in the number of rough sleepers rising from 2,414 in 2013 to 2,744 in 2014.
As the number of destitute people increases, thanks to vicious ConDem Government policy, Salford Council yesterday agreed cuts to various safety nets in the city which will only see the issue intensify...
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