ROUGH sleeping has plummeted by 75 per cent in a year - but charity bosses have warned the number of people back on the streets could rocket if the right support is not in place.

Harp, based in Southend, says the fall in rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg and bosses fear there is a real risk homeless people could back to where they started without help from the Government.

Southend Council was able to successfully find permanent homes for 80 per cent of rough sleepers accommodated during the first lockdown.

In November, it was revealed how the remaining 20 per cent were on the council’s radar and in temporary accommodation ahead of the second lockdown.

With latest figures showing the number of rough sleepers on a single night in Southend were down by 75 per cent in autumn 2020 versus 2019 - Harp say the pandemic response did help to make a difference.

But to make sure rough sleepers don’t end up back on the streets, the charity are calling on Government to commit to a long-term plan to make a “lasting impact on ending homelessness”.

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Jackie Bliss, Harp’s chief executive, said: “While such a big drop in the number of people counted rough sleeping is undoubtedly great news, eight people without a roof over their head is still too many. 

“We still need a long-term Government strategy, alongside adequate funding and support, which addresses the root causes of homelessness. Our job is not yet done.”

A Harp spokesman added: “We are urging the Government to commit to a long term strategy to make sure this once in a generation opportunity is not wasted.”

Findings show only eight people were counted rough sleeping on one night in November 2020, compared to 32 the previous year.

Should the town see an influx in homeless back on the streets, the Harp team has assured it will be ready to provide a helping hand.

This includes providing intensive support to people in temporary accommodation, and working closely with them and local partners to ensure as many people as possible are provided with secure move-on accommodation.