Only six homeless people in Brighton and Hove have taken advantage of a new law which allows them to vote without a permanent address.

Charity workers said politicians had failed to convince rough sleepers that their policies would change their lives.

The handful of people who have registered to vote under the new Representation of the People Act are among up to 50 rough sleepers on the city streets in an average week and hundreds of homeless people who have temporary places in hostels and centres.

Neil Ansell, regional manager for homeless magazine The Big Issue, said: "We have had a few register, but I think the main problem is that the election is seen as quite a low priority by the majority of rough sleepers.

"They are more worried about the short term, like where they are going to sleep and what they are going to eat for the next few days, than what may or may not happen in Parliament in three years' time.

"If they felt their lives would be changed by the policies on a day-to-day basis that would motivate them.

"It is a bit disappointing, but you can understand why the election might be of little concern to rough sleepers."

The Big Issue ran an advertising campaign across the city to let homeless people know about the new law.

The changes in legislation mean the homeless only have to show local connections - such as a hostel, cafe or day centre - instead of a permanent address to register for a vote.

Ministers launched a £3 million advertising campaign earlier in the year, but the campaign has so far failed to encourage homeless people in Brighton and Hove to take part in the decision-making process.

Elsewhere in the country, campaigns to encourage more homeless people to use their right to vote have been a minor success.