THE number of people needing help for homelessness in Darlington is increasing, according to council figures.

A report prepared for members of Darlington Borough Council’s adults and housing scrutiny committee states the number of people approaching the authority for help with housing has been increasing over the past five years.

A review into homeless services in the borough found that in 2009/10, a total of 1,761 people approached the authority for help, while in 2013/14, 2,038 people had asked for help.

According to the report, reforms to the welfare system have contributed to the rise, as have changes to housing allowances, the introduction of the so-called bedroom tax and ongoing changes to benefits.

Domestic issues, including relationship breakdowns and people being asked to leave the family home, were the main reason for people seeking help, which accounted for 27 per cent of all approaches for assistance.

The report also states the number of people sofa surfing had increased over 2013/14, with 153 temporarily staying with friends or relatives, compared with 83 the previous year.

The report continued: “There has been a year on year increase in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation.

“In 2009/10 bed and breakfast accommodation was used on a total of 82 days while in 2013/14 it had increased to 332 days.

“Part of this increase can be explained by the introduction of two Government initiatives: No second Night Out - no one who is identified as street homeless should spend a second night out.

“Cold Weather Provision - when temperatures fall below zero no one should spend the night on the street.”

A review of homelessness services found that the council is either meeting or exceeding national performance standards.

“Throughout the life of the current strategy the performance on preventing homelessness has been among the best in England while costs of delivering the service are amongst the lowest,” it said.

A new strategy for preventing homelessness has been created by the authority, with four main objectives: early intervention, re-housing people as quickly as possible, building partnerships and ensuring people do not fall into the vicious circle of homelessness.

The committee will meet at the town hall on Tuesday (March 31) at 9.30am and members of the public are welcome.