Residents in Powys are being asked to help the council find anyone that may be sleeping rough in the county so help and support can be provided.

Members of the public can let Powys County Council know about any rough sleeping they come across by contacting the Housing Services on 01597 827464 or by emailing housing@powys.gov.uk

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “With the weather turning colder, we’re asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who is rough sleeping in the county.

“Whilst rough sleeping is the severest form of homelessness and must be avoided whenever possible, it is particularly important to pick up on when the weather is colder.

“Each time we know about a rough sleeper we will investigate and look to work with the individual to resolve their homelessness, including whenever possible, sourcing temporary accommodation.”

For anyone who is homeless or threatened by homelessness within 56 days, Powys County Council is required by law to find out more about the situation and work to prevent or relive that person’s rough sleeping.

The process is started when someone asks the council for assistance with their housing situation, which the council says is made easier if members of the public can be a bridge by contacting the council if they know of someone who is in need of assistance.

Members of the public are asked to report any incidences of rough sleeping they see in their communities, so that the Council's Housing Team can look to intervene and assist.

Powys County Council say that anyone who is homeless, eligible, in priority need and have nowhere to live temporarily, the council will make sure that person is offered somewhere to live in the short-term while and work to secure a suitable housing option depending on the situation.

For those who feel their housing may be at risk, or to report an instance of rough sleeping contact the council’s Housing Service on 01597 827464 or email housing@powys.gov.uk