More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in Worcester approached the council asking for help in the past 12 months.

The total number of approaches for assistance (2,151) was 149 more than the year before, but led to Worcester City Council receiving 746 homeless applications - 68 fewer than in 2022/23.

The figures are revealed in the council’s annual homelessness and rough sleeper update, which is being discussed by members of the Communities committee on Wednesday (June 5).

The city council has a statutory duty to prevent homelessness and to help those threatened with or who are actually homeless.

In the past 12 months, officers accepted 333 homelessness prevention duties and 413 homeless relief duties - both down on 2022/23 numbers.

The biggest cause of homelessness in the city was families no longer being willing or able to help, followed by short-term tenancies coming to an end.

According to the report, the number of people made homeless because of domestic abuse fell by 52 compared to the previous 12 months.

The council employs two specialist housing officers who work with the victims of domestic abuse to provide advice and support.

It also has an Ending Rough Sleeping Plan, which focuses on a ‘Target Priority Group’ of 23 rough sleepers and sees housing officers having regular meetings with other service providers.

“Rough sleeping is one of the most visible sides of homelessness though accounts for a small proportion of those affected by homelessness,” the report says.

The council’s annual rough sleeper count, which took place in autumn 2023, identified 20 rough sleepers, compared to 21 the previous year.

“Although the number remains higher than we would wish, a reduction albeit a modest reduction, should be considered as an achievement considering increases regionally and a 20 per cent increase in rough sleeper numbers nationally,” the report said.

“Worcester does see influxes of rough sleepers from out of the area who are either drawn to the range of established services in the city or passing through in transit to elsewhere.

“It is recognised that these individuals often have multiple and complex needs and require intensive engagement and support as well as highly individual and bespoke approaches to seeking to resolve their homelessness.”