There are 13 rough sleepers in West Berks - but sofa surfers are not counted
There are around 57 individuals and families in emergency accommodation in West Berkshire.
And there are currently 13 verified rough sleepers in the district, following the evidence-based count undertaken on November 21, 2024 by West Berkshire Council housing officers.
This figure includes individuals sleeping in vehicles, and six entrenched rough sleepers.
Clients who are being supported while sofa surfing were excluded from this figure.
A report to the district's health and wellbeing board says the emergency accommodation need is placing 'a significant pressure on budgets'.
It adds that it is primarily caused by the shortage of temporary accommodation and the lack of availability of settled housing options, says the report.
"The service has received an average of 65 new homelessness approaches a month since April 2024, while each month on average 190 new applications are received from households wishing to join the housing register," it says.
The housing service continues to enable the delivery of new affordable housing in the district, the report adds.
"In 2024/25 we anticipate 165 new homes will be completed," the report notes.
"Officers continue to seek opportunities to increase accommodation provision.
"One significant scheme in recent times has been the Sterling Gardens development in Newbury which has brought a windfall of 119 affordable homes online, including 27 properties at social rent levels, 62 affordable rented properties and 30 shared ownership units.
"Nevertheless, demand significantly outstrips supply with the housing register currently having 1,032 active households, with an average waiting time for a two bedroom property currently being seventeen months."
Property prices in Sterling Gardens in Newbury start at £234K for a one-bed flat - rising to £340k for a two-bed flat, putting a question mark on the 'affordability'.
Officers are increasing the level of managed emergency accommodation provision by providing specific family-based accommodation, which will reduce the need for families to be put in bed and breakfasts.
