Extra funding will be given to 43 areas across England to help rough sleepers recover from drug and alcohol misuse.

The areas will receive support from a £23m government fund, which will be boosted by a further £52m in 2021/22.

It is expected that the money will be used to fund detox and rehabilitation services, and wraparound support from mental health and substance dependence workers.

Minister for rough sleeping and housing, Kelly Tolhurst, said: ‘We know that one of the main issues facing those sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness is misuse of drugs or alcohol and what a crippling effect these substances have on people's lives.

‘While our Everyone In campaign has helped to protect thousands of lives we still need to work hard to break the cycle of rough sleeping for good.'