Cornwall is among 83 areas will share £30 million to boost the immediate support available to people living on the streets and help them into accommodation, Housing Secretary James Brokenshire confirmed.

Councils across England with the highest numbers of rough sleepers will receive a share of the funding to increase the support they offer people now and also those at risk this coming winter.

Cornwall will receive over £430,000 for crisis hostel accommodation, cold weather provision and support for the most disengaged rough sleepers with chronic needs.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for homes Andrew Mitchell said: ‘Tackling rough sleeping is a complex issue, which is why we have already invested £1.1m in a rough sleeper reduction strategy launched last year.

‘Having a coordinated, multi-agency approach to tackling rough sleeping is paying off with rough sleeping numbers reducing by 31% (from 99 to 68) between November 2016 and November 2017.

‘This additional funding will allow us to put in place even more ambitious plans that will directly help take people off the streets this winter, providing them with accommodation and support.’