Campaigners for homeless people in Bradford are demanding Government action to cut the number of under 25-year-olds on the streets.

The district has a higher rate of homelessness than London, although the problem is not as visible, according to the Bradford Homeless Alliance.

The umbrella group representing several charities has now briefed Bradford North MP Terry Rooney, who told them he would take up their concerns with a Government minister.

Annie Merry, project development worker at Bradford Nightstop who was present at the meeting with the MP, said: "He has asked us to get back to him with further information and statistics to show the different reasons why young people become homeless. He sees the Social Security Secretary Alastair Darling twice a week and he says he is happy to represent us."

Homelessness campaigners want the Government to reverse 1996 changes to the Housing Benefit regulations which, they say, have made it much more difficult for young people to find accommodation. Under the new rules, a ceiling was imposed on the amount which can be paid out in benefit to under-25s. In addition, housing benefit is paid in arrears when landlords demand cash up front - making it hard for people needing somewhere to stay to scratch together a deposit.

Figures gathered by the Bradford Homeless Alliance reveal the scale of the problem in Bradford:

l In 1995 there were 2.5 homeless households per 1000 compared with 2.4 in London

l Many households are overcrowded, there is a shortage of suitable low-cost housing especially for single people.

l Government statistics indicate that Bradford households will increase by 23,000 by the year 2006

l In 1997/8 more than 600 under-18 year olds went to Keighley's Key House Project for housing advice. In the same period 1,010 young people sought help from Bradford's City Centre Project

l In 1998 Bradford Nightstop is one of the busiest Nightstop schemes in the country, but still can't fully meet demand for its services

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