Brent Council underlined its commitment to tackling homelessness after counting 30 rough sleepers on the borough’s streets this month.

It comes after a reminder that services – including local authorities – have a duty to act when the temperature drops below 0°C.

The council said it will work with homelessness charity St Mungo’s to provide additional shelter over the winter months.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “We want to end the misery of rough sleeping in Brent, which is why we are investing in and supporting these services.

“Our aim is to do all we can to help residents who find themselves threatened with homelessness, especially during these winter months when temperatures can drop to dangerous levels.”

It comes after communities secretary James Brokenshire announced that the Government plans to launch a ‘homelessness hub’ in west London.

This centre, which covers Brent, will enable vulnerable people to receive specialist support for mental health issues and will provide immediate shelter for rough sleepers.

The council recently opened a space for the homeless in Willesden, which can accommodate up to 11 people, including two slots reserved for women.

It also vowed to work with the charity Crisis, which focuses its efforts over Christmas, and Street Link – an online service tasked with helping people on the streets.