Brighton and Hove has one of the highest number of rough sleepers in Britain but the numbers are dropping fast.

However, the last claim that only six people were sleeping rough in the city when a count was taken earlier this year provoked widespread derision among the homeless and those who look after them.

There is no doubt work undertaken by the Rough Sleepers Initiative, Brighton and Hove City Council and agencies has achieved a great deal.

They have managed to get many people off the streets and into hostels. Even more encouragingly, some of those in hostels have been given support so they have been able to lead independent lives.

But The Argus discovered more rough sleepers in St James's Street within half an hour than the official count found in a night. It is likely the true number is closer to 60 than six, although it depends on whether you count those sleeping on the streets or include people with no real home of their own.

What is clear is, despite all the good work being done, more action is needed to tackle the continuing crisis.

It will never go away completely because Brighton and Hove will always attract people with problems from outside.

But time, trouble and cash are needed to create more hostels, day centres and supported housing so these people can be found homes and eased back into normal life.