A new strategy to combat homelessness in Bromley has been given the all-clear by council chiefs.

Councillors heard how this new strategy would be centred around preventing homelessness, following a recent spike in rough sleepers in the borough.

Leader of the council Colin Smith said: “This is another good news story in the making. We remain low in terms of neighbouring boroughs, but mindful that one person homeless is one too many.”

During 2016/17, the number of different rough sleepers identified in Bromley was 57 – more than double that of 2011/12.

A council snapshot in November last year found five people sleeping rough, all of whom were known the the council.

Acceptances into temporary accommodation also rose 135 per cent since 2012, with 1,439 households now placed in it.

The biggest cause of homelessness nationally is the loss of privately rented accommodation, and this is the same for Bromley.

Angela Wilkins, councillor for Crystal Palace and leader of the Labour group, recently told News Shopper before the strategy’s launch: “Homelessness is at an all-time high across the UK, but in London it’s beyond crisis level now.

“The increase in rough sleepers is the most extreme evidence and it is simply unacceptable, in a city which has such wealth and affluence, that people are living and dying on our streets.”

Homelessness in Bromley is low compared to the rest of London, but is forecast to cost the council £13.7m as it increases year-on-year, £9m of which is met through government grants and housing benefit receipt.

The draft strategy was given the green light unanimously by the executive, and here’s what it will set out to do:

Identify and prevent homelessness earlier: The council will have more accessible information and advice available for households approaching homelessness by expanding phone and internet based and face to face options. Protocols and referrals will be made earlier to prevent eviction.

Helping young people: Young people at risk of homelessness has increased. The council will help young people get suitable accommodation and increase the number of young people in training and employment to transition them to independence.

Increase accommodation: The council will increase temporary accommodation, delivering 400 homes under a property purchase scheme and exploring the idea of developing council or housing association land to build affordable housing.

Reduce rough sleeping: The council will continue to work with partnership projects to get people off the streets and identify why they are there in the first place. Plans also include a headcount to monitor rough sleepers and to promote a tool to report rough sleeping.