THE trebling of rough sleepers in the past six years does not fully paint the “shocking” picture of homelessness.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian Bond, who represents the Roding ward, said the latest figures on rough sleeping in the borough are an underestimate indicating “a serious problem” in Redbridge.

Redbridge has the third highest level of rough sleepers in London, according to the latest House of Commons statistics.

The council said a recent search identified 65 people sleeping rough, more than three times the amount in 2010.

A total of 60 people are recorded as sleeping rough according to the House of Commons library.

Cllr Bond blasted the council for the way they have handled housing.

He said: “It’s not a happy picture. It’s pretty shocking.

“When you put that against the fact we have more children in temp accommodation it doesn’t paint a happy pic of housing in Redbridge. This is almost certainly an underestimate because however thoroughly you search you will miss some people.

“The council has made a mess of housing.We said housing should be a priority, abolishing the housing department was a mistake.”

“They have spent four years rearranging the deckchairs and they’re only now giving housing the attention it deserves. 

“It’s been four wasted years. It’s hard to believe housing’s been a priority.”

Despite being a capital-wide issue, Redbridge suffers an increase not seen in other London boroughs.

Cllr Bond warned: “It’s concerning – London has issues with housing but some other boroughs have had nothing like the increase we have had. We have almost certainly got a more serious problem than 60 would suggest. The fact is it’s gotten significantly worse.”

The Lib Dem councillor argued a housing first scheme combining housing services with social support was the answer to the borough’s housing issues.

He said: “A housing first scheme is the solution to homelessness, which is more than just about housing – drug abuse and mental health issues play a part.”

“If you don’t deal with the social issues you won’t solve the problem. The approach is gaining support around the world.”

Westminster suffers from the worst level of rough sleeping, with an estimated 260 people out on the streets ever night.

Redbridge Council said in a statement: “The recent single night snapshot rough sleeping estimate in the borough identified 65 rough sleepers. 

“This estimate is rigorously tested with third sector partners and includes a person by person run down of every individual known to be rough sleeping in the borough at the time by services and this is then verified by Homeless link on behalf of the Greater London Authority.

"Our housing service funds the homeless charity SHP to provide an outreach service to rough sleepers for Redbridge and also supports the funding of the welcome centre to provide day care services to rough sleepers including access to health care, training and employment services.

"The Salvation Army are currently providing a winter shelter, which the Council supports with funding.”