THE image most people have when they think of the homeless is the classic sleeping rough in a door way.

And while that’s still an alarming reality for many, experts are warning of an impending catastrophe over another type of homelessness.

The number of “homeless households” in Oxfordshire increased from 411 in 2010/11 to 476 last year – that’s more than 476 people, many of whom may be children, who for a variety of reasons don’t have a permanent home. They may not be your stereotypical “homeless” but they need as much, if not more help as people living rough.

With funding that is normally spent on vital services for those in need being cut, coupled with changes to benefits, the crisis looks set to get even worse.

Of course, it’s difficult with all the budgetary pressures on councils but the consequences could end up costing homeless families, councils and council tax payers far, far more in the long run.