The number of people sleeping rough has fallen significantly, although many thousands of people are still living in temporary accomodation, it emerged on Monday.

The latest figures from the Rough Sleepers Unit reveal that the number of homeless sleeping on the streets has been fallen by 71 per cent since 1998 - beating a government target by six months.

In the winter of 1998, 1850 people were sleeping on England's streets. This year the numbers have been cut to 530 - a turnaround welcomed by Tony Blair.

Forum Response: Centrepoint

Anthony Lawton, Chief Executive of Centrepoint, told ePolitix.com: "We are pleased progress has been made. We are especially pleased that specialist youth services like ourselves and London Connection have helped reduce the numbers of young people sleeping rough. Now we must aim to concentrate on integrated help and long term solutions."

"Centrepoint knows from over 30 years experience working with homeless young people that getting off the streets is only a first step. Rough sleepers may have a whole range of problems which need to be met. Once a young person is off the streets they need help getting back on their feet for good."

Forum Response: Shelter

Chris Holmes, director of Shelter, told ePolitix.com: "We have high hopes for the Unit. A co-ordinated response to hidden and street homelessness under one roof would be a vital step forward. Priority must be given to reducing the use of temporary accommodation for homeless people - particularly for those enduring the misery of bed and breakfast accommodation - and to strengthening preventative measures for single people who risk becoming homeless."

"We have reached an important milestone in the ultimate goal to eradicate street homelessness. This shows how successful the government and voluntary sector have been in targeting the most vulnerable. But we must not get complacent and think this is the end of the road. It is vital now to intensify our work. We must ensure those with the most complex problems, who are the hardest to house, are not left out in the cold."

"We are on the threshold of an even greater achievement of preventing new people ending up on the streets. New homeless legislation will require each local authority to adopt its own homelessness strategy. This, coupled with increasing commitment and energy by government and the voluntary sector, could stop more people ending up on the streets in the future."