East Devon District Council (EDDC) has been given £568,074 from the government to help rough sleepers in East Devon.

The council was successful for its bid for funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through the Rough Sleeper Initiative.

The applications forms part of EDDC's aims to bring an end to rough sleeping in the district within the next three years.

In the past year, the number of verified rough sleepers in East Devon has varied between three to 14. In August, September and October the numbers were at their highest - between 11 and 14 – and in February, March and April the numbers were at their lowest  (with three).

Councillor Dan Ledger is EDDC's portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities. He said: "With the cost-of-living crisis that we are currently facing as well as other winter pressures on the horizon, this funding is really welcomed.

"We acknowledge that some of our residents will struggle in the coming months and as a Council we wish to help wherever possible.

"These additional posts will ensure that the council is able to offer full assistance to anyone requiring it, giving timely help, advice and support to our residents who need it most.

"This will hopefully keep as many people as possible off our streets over the next few years and help to achieve positive outcomes in securing long term sustainable accommodation for those individuals and families."