Waltham Forest has seen an 18 per cent increase in the number of rough sleepers living across the borough in the past year.

A new study released yesterday (Wednesday, June 29), by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), recorded 139 people living on the streets in the area in 2015/16.

At the same time in 2014/15, the number of rough sleepers in the borough was counted at 118.

The figure has increased at more than double the London average. The number of rough sleepers across the capital as a whole has risen by seven per cent in the past year.

Liz Rutherfoord, chief executive of homeless charity SHP, said: “These new figures show that rough sleeping in Waltham Forest is rising at more than double the rate of the rest of London.

"Ironically, this coincides with the closure of all almost all supported housing for homeless people in the borough.

“This includes Wardley Lodge, a hostel for people with multiple overlapping problems such as mental ill health, substance addiction and a history of rough sleeping, which until its closure was the only provision for single homeless people with that range of needs.

“These alarming new figures underline just how short sighted Waltham Forest Council’s strategy is.”

The news comes after Waltham Forest council announced last month it was set to slash its budget for supporting single homeless people by close to £1 million per year. 

Wardley Lodge, a 23-bed hostel for homeless people with complex issues in Leytonstone, is also set to close under cost-cutting measures.

SHP warned at the time of the announcement the move could put more people on the streets.

Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, Waltham Forest council cabinet member for housing, said: “These figures are obviously concerning, and we are already taking positive steps to improve our homelessness service. 

"Following a recent review we have developed a new homelessness support service, which replaced existing hostel services from July 1.

"In developing the new service we have spoken to homeless people, homelessness charities, local organisations and existing providers so that we can provide more than just a place to sleep for the night.

"Ultimately we want to help homeless people get off the streets for good, and that means providing them with a complete package of support that helps them find a home, improve their health, access training and get a job. 

"Our new service will see the Council working with a leading provider of support services to homeless people and rough sleepers in London, in partnership with other local organisations. Together they have access to over 2,000 beds across London. 

"The Council has worked very closely with the existing hostel providers including SHP to secure alternative accommodation for hostel residents.

"We continue to fund a specialist hostel that offers accommodation and support to former rough sleepers and who have more complex needs.”