153 people were classified as homeless in Copeland in 2022

The statistics include those in temporary accommodation, who are still classified as homeless. 95 adults and 58 children presented as homeless in 2022, and there was one rough sleeper recorded in the official count.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, said: “Through the dedication and commitment of our officers, we were able to provide temporary accommodation to eligible homeless people in Copeland in 2022.

“We run a 24-hour, seven day a week service. This prevents residents having to sleep on the streets by providing emergency help, including reaching out to every rough sleeper.

“We take pride in working closely with residents and landlords to prevent homelessness, tackling issues as they arise.

“Our work with those suffering from domestic abuse allows us to provide specialist accommodation immediately to those fleeing abusive homes, alongside financial support and help to build a new life free from harm.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our officers for working tirelessly, around the clock, to ensure people have somewhere to stay.

“We would also like to reach out to anyone who thinks they may become homeless and ask them to get in touch as soon as possible.

"Early intervention is key and allows us to provide the best possible service.”

Copeland Borough Council have resources available (Image: Newsquest)

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said they were expecting a rise in homelessness in 2023.

“A cold doorway or a grotty hostel room is not a home, but this is reality for too many people today,” she said.

“Our frontline advisers are working tirelessly to help people who are desperate to escape homelessness – from the parents doing all they can to provide some shred of a normal family life while stuck in an emergency B&B, to the person terrified of another night sleeping rough."

The estimates suggest around 2,400 people were sleeping rough across England, with a further 15,000 people in hostels or supported accommodation.

Nearly 250,000 people – mainly families – were living in temporary accommodation.

The overall figure is down slightly from the previous year – 274,000 were estimated to be homeless on any given night in 2021.

Despite a slight drop in the number of people in temporary accommodation compared to the year before, the use of temporary accommodation has risen by an 'alarming' 74 per cent over the last decade, Shelter said.

“With private rents and living costs continuing to soar, thousands of people are not just facing a winter of worry, they are at risk of losing the roof over their head,” Ms Neate added.

READ MORE: Copeland MP, Trudy Harrison quizzed by school pupils