MORE support is set to be given to rough sleepers in York, thanks to a new proposal by City of York Council.

A recommendation will go before the council’s Executive next week which will offer 16 emergency beds to rough sleepers between November 1 and February 28.

Currently, beds are only offered between this period if the temperature is freezing or below, but the proposal will see them offered “continuously” throughout these months, using £125,000 over a three-year period pilot.

The Executive will also be asked to allocate some of the agreed £20 million housing investment fund over the next five years to build affordable one bedroom homes to help reduce homelessness among single people or couples in the city.

Currently, all known rough sleepers are offered support and help into accommodation by the council and the Salvation Army, when seen on early-morning walks around the city.

At the last annual street count in November, 29 rough sleepers were reported in York, but the council said during “an informal street walk” on January 3, nine were seen, after others were helped into accommodation or emergency beds.

A council spokesman said: “Everyone is offered a bed, even if it is just for one night. Sadly some persistently refuse any form of help, including mental health or substance misuse services.”

Cllr Sam Lisle, executive member for housing and safer communities, said: “We’re currently looking to add three extra spaces at Peasholme and Howe Hill as well as asking the council to consider extending the severe weather beds.

“We work with our partners the Salvation Army and Carecent to help people off the street and into safer, more stable lifestyles.

"Work is ongoing to explore different ways to prevent people rough sleeping because life expectancy lowers to 47 when living on the street.”

The council is also looking to recruit an officer to help individuals into private accommodation, who would also act as a contact for and offer support to landlords.

Last year, the council resettled 70 previously-homeless people into permanent homes, through a system that sees them offered lodging, support and education, moved into independent accommodation then into private or affordable homes.

Nationally, rough sleeping has increased by 132 per cent since 2010, and the charity Crisis has predicted a 76 per cent rise in rough sleeping nationally within the next 10 years.

Executive meeting will be held on Thursday, January 25, from 5.30pm, and can be watched online at york.gov.uk/webcasts.