It is unfortunate that the Salvation Army, acknowledged universally as the most caring of Christianity-based organisations, felt it had to withdraw its annual £120,000 grant to the unique Outreach Project in Oxford.

The decision was taken because surveys indicated there were fewer than 15 rough sleepers in the city.

But we know that surveys do not always paint a true picture. There are many people in the city - including Liberal Democrat councillor Jean Fooks - who would support this opinion.

Outreach was a place where the homeless did not feel like a burden on society, where humanity outweighed financial considerations. They feel let down.

The move will tarnish the Army's reputation, but it will also serve as a reminder that it is not always wise to be guided by statistics.