Thousands have no home this Christmas

An Express & Star investigation has revealed the shocking extent of homelessness on our streets in Staffordshire and the Black Country, a problem that has increased more than 13 per cent in the last five years.

From speaking to those who currently sleep rough to spending a day in a soup kitchen, our investigation will provide a disturbing insight into a problem that is simply not going away.

Across our area, there are 2,480 people registered homeless according to latest government statistics. Of that figure, 1,653 are in priority need, which means they could be either pregnant, class as vulnerable or a 16 to 17-year-old who is not eligible for housing through social services.

A further breakdown of the 2,480 figure shows that 232 of these registered homeless are 'intentionally homeless'.

But perhaps the most worrying statistic is that just five years ago there were only 2,189 registered homeless in the region, an increase of more than 13 per cent.

Although this figure of 2,480 may be a decrease from the 2,568 registered in 2013-14, the pattern is an obvious one. Homelessness is a problem that isn't going away.

In Sandwell, there were 726 registered homeless at the end of the 2014-15 financial year, including 649 in priority need.

With the number of homeless in the borough having increased by just under 200 in the last five years, council leader Darren Cooper said: "It is anticipated we will continue to see an increase in homelessness once the proposals from the Summer Budget and the recent Autumn Statement begin to take effect. Preventing homelessness is the key priority."

It's a similar story for neighbouring borough Dudley which has 609 people registered as homeless, the second highest in the Black Country. This figure has dropped by just over 50 on the number of homeless who were registered the year before but it is still nearly double the amount who were registered five years ago.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: "In Dudley, over recent years the number of people without an actual roof over their head has been reducing. We believe this is due to the council's early intervention approach.

• Sandwell – 726 registered homeless, including 649 in priority need

• Dudley – 609 registered as homeless, the second most in the Black Country

• Wolverhampton – 566 homeless, including 375 in priority need

• Walsall – 156 registered homeless, the lowest in the Black Country

• Wyre Forest – 228 homeless

• In South Staffordshire (including Stafford, Cannock and Lichfield) – 195 registered homeless

"However, there is an increase in the number of people without a home of their own, mainly single people."

Not every one of the 2,480 registered homeless in the region are sleeping rough where they are visible to us all. A large number will be 'sofa surfing', sleeping on their friends' couches, in a hostel or bed and breakfast.

Alison Mohammed, director of services at homeless charity Shelter, said: "The sad fact is, almost every day, we hear from families who've fallen on hard times and found themselves living in a single cramped room of a B&B or hostel, unable to give their children the environment they need to grow."

Nadeem Khan, a helpline adviser for the charity, added: "Every day I speak to people who face losing something as important as the roof over their family's heads."

In Wolverhampton there were 566 homeless registered for 2014-15, including 375 who were in priority need. Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader of the council, said: "Like most big cities, Wolverhampton does have an ongoing issue with homelessness, but we are working hard to address this.

"We particularly focus our efforts on preventing someone from becoming homeless."

In Walsall, there were 156 registered homeless in 2014-15, the lowest in the Black Country. This figure includes144 in priority need.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said the council was focusing heavily on earlier intervention.

In Wyre Forest,there were 228 homeless, with 141 in priority need, 30 intentionally homeless, and 57 registered homeless.

The gulf between the Black Country and Staffordshire has again been made apparent with the Black Country having a whopping 2,285 homeless compared to 195 in South Staffordshire – including Stafford, Cannock and Lichfield. There are 228 Wyre Forest, with 141 in priority need.