THE number of rough sleepers in the borough has halved in the last year.

Government figures have found rough sleepers has reduced from 30 in 2017 to 15 last year.

The number of rough sleepers in 2016 was also 27.

Two hubs were introduced by the local authority in 2018, in Leigh and Wigan, to provide support to people on the streets.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham launched the region's A Bed Every Night scheme in November, which runs until March 31, to offer overnight accommodation to rough sleepers too.

So far the scheme has helped 1,236 people being place into safe, warm and supported accommodation.

A whole range of measures and schemes have also been rolled out to tackle the issue.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for welfare and reform at Wigan Council, said: “Tackling homelessness is more than just offering a bed for the night.

"It’s about supporting people from the moment they walk through the door, understanding their circumstances and helping them to rebuild their lives.

“We are unique in our offer of two overnight accommodation facilities in Wigan and Leigh.

"By supporting people in this way we can prevent them reaching crisis point in the future.

“We have made significant investments to help support homeless services and will continue to work with providers to deliver a cohesive approach so services can work together to better understand people’s needs.

“These new figures reflect the huge amount of work that has been put in to improving these services across the borough.

“We also are delighted to be working with partners such as The Brick to deliver these brilliant initiatives and to help people get their lives back on track.”

The council is also working with the organisation Real Change to provide grants for around a dozen people a month through charities.

Through the Real Change campaign, residents can donate funds to help buy essential items for people in need.

By working with partner charities such as The Brick it means people can be confident their donation is going toward support for people who have long term support.

The council’s homelessness champion programme is also running which sees trained volunteers checking people on the streets on a daily basis.

This helps them to gain an understanding surrounding people’s circumstances and to offer appropriate support.

The national rough sleeper count takes place every year on one night in November, with local authorities up and down the country submitting data to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Figures are independently verified and the MHCLG subsequently publishes nationwide data early the following year.

If you see a homeless person on the streets, please email roughsleep@wigan.gov.uk with as much information as possible (including their location) and council officers will investigate. You will also receive an update on the situation.

Those who find themselves on the streets can also ring the local authority's out of hours service on 01942 828777.

To donate to Real Change Wigan and Leigh visit realchangewiganandleigh.co.uk.