Can we trust the figures?

THE lavish state funding of charities has led critics to question if they should be involved in compiling the rough sleeper figures.

These are often only estimates but are routinely used to support claims there is a major problem needing a big-spending solution.

Two months ago, ministers pledged £28million to get rough sleepers off the streets in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Liverpool. According to yesterday’s figures, there are 422 in these areas, meaning £66,350 for each one – enough to buy a home.

Whitehall also has close links to homelessness charities. A Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel launched last November includes leaders from Crisis and Shelter.

Homeless Link has received £4million-plus of public cash in a year and moved to new offices in the City of London.