Given some recent comments, I would like to rebut some recent incorrect accusations about the way the local authority helps the homeless and show the huge amount that we do.

While it may be tempting to give money to those you see begging, this will not help them address their underlying challenges. As the former Cabinet Member for Housing, I am aware that we have people with severe alcohol or drug-related problems, for which they will probably use any money, along with cases where people who have left prison fail to respond to the probation service and so end up appearing homeless when they have rejected those trying to assist them.

The council has a supportive but firm approach to homelessness. We have an out of office hours emergency contact line on 01793 445500 that anyone can use. The team there can notify one of our Homelessness Officers as they have the professional expertise and training to offer assistance to those who need shelter.

In fact, I made use of this service only a few days ago while passing through the town centre to alert the council about an individual.

There are two main hostels where you can get shelter – Culvery Court, run by Threshold Housing Link, and Booth House run by the Salvation Army, both in the town centre. The council provides financial support to both of the projects as well as funding a specialist outreach team who work with those choosing to sleep out.

One challenge we face is that people sometimes refuse to use the accommodation we provide because we will stop them taking alcohol there. This is a necessary step to protect other residents, some of whom are starting the process of recovery. We have a small team at the council who can assist, especially if they are contacted early, before people lose their homes. As with many things in life, prevention is better than any cure.

If you, or someone you know, may need advice, you can contact the housing team in person at Swindon Direct, Beckhampton Street, on the Civic Campus.

Alternatively, you can phone 01793 445503 during the working day or email housing@swindon.gov.uk.

You can find a lot more information on the Council’s website in our Survival Guide for Homeless People. As well as giving advice on housing matters, the guide also suggests organisations that can help with drug, alcohol or other problems, particularly mental health issues.

My Cabinet member for this area, Coun Emma Faramarzi, and her team are well aware of the issues we face.

I hope through this brief overview that you will now have a better understanding of the range of work the council is doing to help our most vulnerable people.