Rough sleeping has been defined as being 'at an all-time high' in Reading after dozens of people have been identified as sleeping in the open or in tents.
Each year, Reading Borough Council conducts a rough sleeping count.
Held in the autumn, the counts in 2022 and 2023 found 36 people who were rough sleeping in the town.
The number was revealed at a council policy committee meeting.
Rob White, the leader of the opposition, claimed that these are the highest numbers he had ever seen, asking what is being done to help people.
Councillor White (Green, Park) said; "Rough sleeping is sadly at an all-time high in Reading. Green Party councillors are very concerned about this.
"As temperatures drop, we are particularly concerned about people who are not able to access public funds.
"I can think of one small green space in particular near to me which has at least three camps of people who have been there for over a year.
"I have raised this with the council but nothing has changed."
He then asked what the council is doing to help, particularly for the people who have no recourse to public funds, such as asylum seekers.
Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham), lead councillor for housing, answered: "Since 2022, Reading has employed a specialist rough sleeping outreach navigator to work specifically with those who have no or limited access to public funds.
READ MORE: Clash over target to more than half rough sleeping in Reading
"This has reduced numbers; however, grant and legislative restrictions mean accommodating this group whilst their immigration issues are resolved has not been possible.
"In response to these restrictions, officers successfully bid for funds from the Centre for Homelessness Impact’s Test and Learn scheme, a 12-month targeted project for Non-UK Nationals without access to public funds, who are sleeping rough, will be implemented from mid-December 2024."
Furthermore, cllr Yeo said the council has partnered with the Refugee Support Group to support a minimum of 35 people with emergency accommodation and advice.
He also mentioned that only three people identified in the rough sleeping counts have been doing so for over a year - individuals who have had repeated offers of accommodation.
Addressing concerns about problem areas for rough sleeping, cllr Yeo said: "Unfortunately, certain areas in Reading can become hotspots for encampments and antisocial gatherings.
"It does not mean that all the people seen in a single place are all homeless
or sleeping rough.
"The council’s Rough Sleeping Initiatives Team works in partnership with
the Safer Public Realm Team to resolve problematic encampments that are causing a community impact.
"Encampments can comprise people who are not homeless but demonstrating anti-social behaviours, such as drugs misuse.
READ MORE: Reading bids for £1.8 million to help provide accommodation for rough sleepers
"Rough sleeping is a complex and multi-faceted issue that requires flexible responses from a range of services and partners across housing, communities, health, and adult social care.
"Public health and the NHS commission outreach services specifically to support those rough sleeping with their physical and mental health, and drug and alcohol misuse.
"All outreach teams work closely to support people away from rough sleeping lifestyles into accommodation."
The exchange took place at the council's policy committee meeting on Monday, October 21.
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