By Lee Madan

Copyright bbc

He added that ‘sofa surfing’ and people in temporary or unsuitable accommodation are part of the issue.

“This also includes people who are leaving the prison system and people who are in hospital waiting for a discharge where their health and care has changed and their accommodation is no longer suitable,” he said.

The moves by the city council comes as Gloucester has seen a 47% increase in year-on-year recorded rough sleepers.

According to government figures, in 2023 there were 19 people recorded as sleeping rough, a number that rose to 28 in 2024.

Charities believe the real figure is likely to be much higher.