‘The problem this Christmas is the worst I’ve ever seen it’

ROUGH sleeping has risen more than tenfold in Manchester since 2010.

Homeless charities – including Lifeshare – are doing their best to help. Julie Boyle, a support worker at the organisation, says the rules need to change on emergency accommodation.

She said: “I’d like the people who decide on these measurements to spend a night on the streets and see if it’s cold enough. The problem this Christmas is the worst I’ve ever seen it in Manchester.”

The answer, Julie argues, lies in landlords opening up vacant properties across the city.

“We’re seeing young people just being left abandoned on the streets,” she added. “We have to pick up the pieces.”

A Manchester council spokesman said the town hall provides emergency shelter, with a capacity for 80 people, when the temperature drops below zero, but there were exemptions including, for example, when there are severe storms or heavy snowfall.

He said the council’s rough sleeper outreach team ensures people are made aware of the offer, and other temporary shelter is available all-year-round, including 73 beds in supported accommodation. An extra 20-bed shelter for rough sleepers with complex needs is due to open.

Deputy council leader Bernard Priest added: “Homelessness is a challenging issue which we are working day and night to tackle, along with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations and other partners.”