The number of families becoming newly homeless in Bradford has soared by 53 per cent in a year.

Figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Govern-ment compare July to September, 2005, to the same period this year and show a rise from 161 to 246.

The large increase bucks the trend across Yorkshire and Humber, where the figure fell by 15 per cent and the national trend - down by 14 per cent.

The proportion of families facing Christmas in district bed-and-breakfasts also increased - from 66 to 77 - despite the Government stepping up pressure on councils to place more people into settled accommodation.

According to the Government, the rest of the homeless are in housing maintained by the local authority, housing associations or private landlords.

Jed Din, project director for Bradford City Centre Project, which helps homeless people, said: "We are busier than we have ever been in previous years.

"In July, August and September this year, we saw 432 people who claimed to be homeless and the projected figure for the next quarter is likely to be 400-plus.

"The national trend shows a reduction in rough sleeping but our experience in Bradford indicates young people - and particularly those with mental health problems - are increasingly sleeping rough, which is worrying."

But Bradford Community Housing Trust (BCHT) disputed the figures, saying they were just a snapshot, and said 2,208 people had applied to BCHT for homeless accommodation in 2005 compared to 2,110 this year up to last Friday.

A BCHT spokesman said: "As agents for Bradford Council, we work proactively with public and voluntary bodies to support people who declare they are homeless in the district.

"Over the Christmas period, BCHT housing advice staff will continue to provide a round-the-clock service to respond to any person who applies for homeless support. This includes providing temporary accommodation to anyone who is classified as Priority Homeless' under the Homelessness Act."

The number to call is 0845 120 8167.

The figures come as Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced a £2 million grant for councils in Yorkshire and Humber to tackle homelessness. Bradford will get £85,000.

Miss Cooper said: "We want to help families ... into a settled home and in the long run we need to build more homes - more market housing, social housing and homes for shared equity."

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