THE NUMBER of people sleeping rough in Brighton and Hove has nearly doubled in the last year, new figures show.

A total of 144 people were counted on the streets in one night, as opposed to 78 last year.

The news comes after it emerged earlier this month that the city has the worst homeless toll outside London, affecting one in 69 people.

The latest statistics, collected on Tuesday, November 8, are used as an estimate to provide an overall picture to make sure the right support services are in place. Most of the people counted were men, with just 18 women found sleeping rough. The figures recorded on November 3 last year showed 71 were men and seven were women. There were 132 rough sleepers counted in March 2014.

Andy Winter, chairman of the charity Brighton Housing Trust, said this year's figure "more accurately" reflected the reality of rough sleeping in the city.

He said: "This reflects what most of the agencies already believe to be true. It is something I have been saying for the last three months quite consistently. But whether there it is one or 144 rough sleepers, even one is too many. We need to do everything we can to reduce that number. I still remain hopeful that we can eradicate rough sleeping in one of the richest cities of one of the richest countries in the world."

Brighton and Hove City Council, which published the figures, said the rise reflects a national trend.

Clare Moonan, the councillor who leads on rough sleeping, said: "At first glance, the numbers seems to show a large increase on last year’s estimate. The reality is that we now have a more accurate reflection of the situation in the city. This year’s estimate is the most involved and detailed we’ve ever done.

"We feel that as far as possible we have included all the hidden rough sleepers on the city’s boundaries who are currently not engaging with our mainstream services.

"Understanding the needs of rough sleepers in the city helps us to make sure the right services are in place. Key to this is in knowing how many people are in need and where to find them."

The council said between 50 and 60 per cent of the city’s rough sleepers are not local and do not have a connection to Brighton and Hove. This limits the help they can get from the council.

The annual count was carried out by the council with the help of organisations St Mungo’s, Brighton Housing Trust, Saint Anne’s Day Centre, Off the Fence, Sussex Police, Equinox, the Clock Tower Sanctuary and Downslink YMCA. The council said its housing team has helped to prevent 562 households from becoming homeless this year by providing advice and support.

Anyone concerned by people sleeping rough should call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit streetlink.org.uk.

To donate to the city's homeless campaign visit localgiving/appeal/makechangecount.