Prime Minister Tony Blair has launched a multi-million pound initiative to stop the "scandal" of people sleeping rough in Oxford - as the city was named the third worst offender in the country.

A report reveals Oxford has more people on the streets than the City of London, Manchester or Birmingham.

The Government's first detailed survey into sleeping rough shows 52 people in Oxford had no roof over their heads last May.

Westminster was the worst area with 234 people on the street followed by Camden with 66. But council officials said although the report was accurate in May, the last count in the city showed just 16 people were sleeping on the city's streets.

Mr Blair last night launched a new initiative designed to end the "scandal" of the homeless forced to sleep rough.

He said: "On the eve of the 21st century it's a scandal that there are still people sleeping rough on our streets.

"This is not a situation we can continue to tolerate in a modern and civilised society." Oxford City Council leader John Tanner said: "We were well aware the figure was one of the worst - but there are a number of measures being taken to bring that down. Those have already succeeded as the current figure shows only 16.

"We are determined to make sure people have somewhere warm to go instead of a shop doorway. No human being should be on the streets, particularly at this time of year.

"Oxford has always had this problem. It is a prosperous and generous city and therefore attracts people who beg." The council had launched a number of initiatives with health chiefs and church groups to try and tackle the homelessness and rough sleeping crisis.

Cllr Tanner added: "The figures are not an embarrassment to the council - we are very proud of the work being done."

Story date: Thursday 16 December

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