How many are really homeless in Bridlington?

Bridlington-based The Hinge Centre, which helps homeless youngsters, say official council statistics don’t reflect the reality of an increasing problem.

The annual rough sleeper estimate carried out last November 12, which asks voluntary and statutory agencies to provide an estimate of the number of rough sleepers, found just eight – down from 11 in 2012.

The Hinge Centre says the East Riding Council figures take no account of the number of young people “sofa surfing” – bedding down on the floor or sofa of a relative or friend. And it says the level of spending on B&Bs by the council on youngsters aged 16 to 17 – over £40,000 – shows there is a real problem.

Strategic development manager Martin Crossland said: “The local authority keep telling us they have no money to give organisations like ours to provide additional support yet they have spent over £40,000 on B&Bs for 16 to 17-year-olds. We don’t deem B&Bs as being safe and secure for young people. They have to be out at 9am and can’t return till 8pm or 9pm so they have to walk the streets. If the B&B gets a booking the young person is slung out.”

The charity, which will start its own 12-month survey in March, runs a service called Nightstop which gives young people, aged 16 to 24, a chance to stay in someone’s home for a few nights, with access to support. It finds private rental accommodation for longer stays, and does a monthly check to ensure the youngster is keeping it clean and is coping.