SUSSEX Homeless Support does great work in the city, but I can’t agree with Jim Deans’ view expressed recently in the media that it’s unnecessary for the council to consult people on how we deal with the problem of homelessness.

Homelessness a serious, growing and visible issue. Everybody has seen people sleeping rough on the streets here. The city has a huge range of voluntary groups providing support in different ways to people sleeping rough.

All of these groups and volunteers deserve an opportunity to have a say in how the council, and the city as a whole, is aiming to reduce homelessness.

The council also works with partner organisations to provide services such as one-to-one advice, day shelters and supported accommodation.

Their frontline staff work directly with people who are or have been rough sleeping, and their opinions and experience are incredibly valuable. And of course there are also the views of people who are or have been homeless themselves.

The consultation includes the Homeless Bill of Rights. If this goes ahead, Brighton and Hove will be the first city in the UK to be signed up to it. It deals with some controversial issues such as street begging, tents, and what we can offer to people who don’t have a local connection.

Many people will have views on these, and it’s right that the council is actively asking to hear and take them into account.

The strategy that the council is consulting on should enable all organisations to work better together and be more effective.

The consultation is on the council’s website and is open until December 8.

Tracey Hill Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer Ward Chairwoman of Planning Committee Brighton and Hove City Council