ROUGH sleepers could soon have access to a night shelter for the entire year.

Brighton and Hove City Council has announced the plan to help those hard-up on the streets have access to a permanent place to stay at night.

It would add to the night shelter plans already in place at the Brighton Centre during the winter months.

The Labour-run authority hopes to earmark £250,000 in next year’s budget for the proposal, which will first be discussed at a committee meeting next week.

The final budget plans for 2019 to 2020 will be discussed by all 53 councillors at Hove Town Hall at the end of the month.

Council leader Dan Yates (Labour) said: “We’re taking a compassionate approach to the needs of the city during this uncertain economic time and we will continue to do so.

“We’re in a strong financial position at the end of our four-year budget cycle. We can now improve on our initial budget proposals and provide more for the city.

“There is an additional £375,000 in these proposals due to careful financial management.

"We’ve planned further ahead than many other councils around the country and we’ve been able to protect more services than elsewhere as a result.”

Extra funds would also be used to shore-up services that support women and girls affected by domestic violence.

There are also plans to invest £75,000 in improving paths for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage people to live a more active lifestyle.

It is understood that emergency provision for the homeless in severe and cold weather conditions would remain in place separately.

The council may have to find a long term alternative venue for a permanent night shelter away from the Brighton Centre, which has a busy schedule of events.

But officers will only start work on the plans once a budget plan has been agreed.