The number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Norwich has dropped for the third year in a row - despite a 27pc increase nationwide.

New government figures have revealed a fall from seven rough sleepers to just five between 2022 and 2023, marking an 85pc reduction from 2016 when the figure for Norwich was 34. 

Norwich Evening News: Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St MartinsDr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St Martins (Image: St Martins)

This comes despite a national 27pc increase and an 18pc rise in the East of England. 

Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of local homeless charity St Martins, said: "Given all the economic challenges that we currently face this achievement can only be described as remarkable.

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"St Martins is within touching distance of our vision of ensuring that no one sleeps rough on our streets.

"I’m often asked if we can end rough sleeping.

Norwich Evening News: The figure has dropped from seven just fiveThe figure has dropped from seven just five (Image: PA)

"My response is that to end rough sleeping we need three things: sufficient funding, political will and enough social housing.

"There is undoubtedly the political will in Norwich to end rough sleeping.

"We’re all in this together and I’m truly grateful for all the support St Martins receives and the special place it holds in the hearts of the people of Norwich."