Norwich could see more rough sleepers on the streets this year after a local charity warned budget cuts could have a major impact on the issue.

New government figures found that roughly 3,069 people were sleeping rough across England in 2022 - up 26pc on 2021 and a whopping 74pc compared to 2010.

Norwich Evening News: Recent figures suggest that Norwich saw a 30pc decrease in people sleeping rough in 2022 - Picture: SubmittedRecent figures suggest that Norwich saw a 30pc decrease in people sleeping rough in 2022 - Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Norwich seemingly bucked that trend in 2022, with only seven people reportedly sleeping rough during October and November last year - a 30pc decrease from 2021.

However, the head of a local homelessness charity fears that continuing financial pressure will have a "catastrophic impact" in the year ahead.

Read More: St Martins homeless shelter to be monitored by police

Norwich Evening News: Dr Jan Sheldon, CEO of St Martins homelessness charity - Picture: St MartinsDr Jan Sheldon, CEO of St Martins homelessness charity - Picture: St Martins (Image: St Martins)

Chief executive of St Martins Housing Trust, Dr Jan Sheldon, said: "Many of our services were commissioned when inflation was a fraction of what it is now.

"Contracts to pay for these services have not met this increase so we're facing the decision to decline to provide services or fulfil them at a deficit, with the gap plugged by fundraising and shaving off costs wherever we can."

Norwich Evening News: Recent figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities suggested that more than 3,000 slept rough in 2022 - Picture: St MartinsRecent figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities suggested that more than 3,000 slept rough in 2022 - Picture: St Martins (Image: St Martins)

Initiatives like St Martins' somewhere safe to stay hub and no second night out "have been crucial in keeping numbers down" according to Dr Sheldon, who knows there's still work to do based on the recent government figures.

Read More: Objections to St Martins' Lakenham homeless plans

She added: "While we're pleased to see a reduction from last year, it's unacceptable for anyone to resort to sleeping on the streets.

Norwich Evening News: A spot at the Back of The Inns where rough sleepers have set up - Picture: SubmittedA spot at the Back of The Inns where rough sleepers have set up - Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

"We've been working hard to develop our services to ensure that we can quickly support people off the streets, but our hostels are always full.

"The cost of living crisis began to bite by the end of last year, resulting in more people becoming homeless, so the fact that we have seen a reduction in numbers amid an economic and housing crisis is testament to the commitment of local services and people."