COUNCILLORS in York have hit back after an MP in the city slammed funding cuts to services supporting rough sleepers.

York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, joined the team from The Salvation Army on one of its regular early morning 'street walks' on Tuesday during which 22 people were found sleeping in doorways, cars and tents with some coming from as far as Romania and Moldova.

The MP said she was "shocked" by the number - after City of York Council said Rough Sleeper Initiative funding to the charity would be cut from June this year.

But, councillor Denise Craghill, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods at the council, has hit back saying that the funding cut was not a decision made by councillors.

Cllr Craghill said: “The first thing to make very clear is that the reduction in funding for the Salvation Army outreach work is NOT the result of a council funding decision, but is related to Government funding, which we are not yet at liberty to discuss in detail in public pending a Government announcement.

"It is important to emphasise that the council, working with partners, provides a very wide range of services to both prevent people becoming homeless and to help people back into secure tenancies when they do.

"The council currently has a substantial contract directly with the Salvation Army for core housing crisis services. In addition, over recent years council housing teams have worked with partner organisations to successfully bid for Government funding for additional outreach work to support people who are homeless.

"I am very aware of the dedication of Salvation Army staff to the work that they do, as well as the dedication of our council officers who are also on duty night after night helping people.

"The cost of living crisis is going to make this a very difficult winter and will likely increase levels of homelessness. I am asking officers to do everything possible across our various homelessness and housing support teams to help York residents in these circumstances.

"I am very willing to work with Ms Maskell to lobby the Government for further support.”

Denis Southall, head of housing management and housing options at the council, said there are multiple and often complex reasons people may end up sleeping rough, which can include seasonal trends, movement across cities and other causes.

"Regular rough sleeper numbers in York continue to be low and we work with anyone who needs support, a safe placement and longer-term, stable housing," he added.

Anyone concerned about becoming homeless and who needs advice or help can call the council's Housing Options on 01904 554500.

Anyone sleeping rough can go to 63 Lawrence Street or call 01904 416562, as usual, or at evenings or weekends call 01609 780780.