MORE than four out of five Cheshire West and Chester households, and three in five Cheshire East households, deemed homeless or at risk last winter had other support needs, figures show.

Cheshire West and Chester Council found more than 350 of the 415 families or individuals assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness between October and December last year needed additional assistance – most commonly for mental illness.

Of those households, 197 had more than three support needs identified.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council found more than 180 of the 310 families or individuals assessed during the same period needed additional assistance – also most commonly for mental illness.

Of those households, 73 had more than three support needs identified.

Across England, more than 62,000 households were found eligible for statutory homelessness support – and more than half of them also required help in other areas.

Housing charity Crisis said pandemic measures had not done enough to protect those with multiple needs as Government figures show disabled people, abuse victims, care leavers and veterans were among those without a stable roof over their heads.

Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said preventative policies over the course of the pandemic meant fewer people had lost their homes but added: "As these figures also make clear, the action taken over the last year has not been enough to support people with multiple needs from the trauma of homelessness.

"Whether fleeing an abusive partner or experiencing mental health issues, the pandemic has made many people's living situations impossible and reduced their options."

More than 15,000 households assessed across England last winter were classed as having extra support needs because of mental illness, with physical disabilities and domestic abuse the next most common reasons for requiring more assistance.

Cheshire West and Chester council found 222 households needed support linked to mental illness, 128 because of physical needs or disabilities and 100 due to domestic abuse.

Cheshire East council found 98 households needed support linked to mental illness, 69 because of physical needs or disabilities and 36 due to domestic abuse.

The Government will spend £52 million this year on specialist substance misuse services for those sleeping rough or in emergency accommodation, while 2018/19 saw funding granted to 47 authorities to help care leavers at risk of homelessness.