The amount of people sleeping rough has fallen in Oxford

City council housing chiefs say the amount of people sleeping rough has also fallen as a result of a five-year homelessness strategy approved in 2003.

The scheme has also helped more than 80 families find homes in the private renting sector within six months.

Oxford's figures contrast with a trend of rising homelessness nationally.

Councillor Ed Turner, executive member for housing, said: "Homelessness is not an easy issue to deal with and it is very encouraging to see the progress that is being made on the problem in Oxford."

The strategy has also led to significant reductions in the cost to local authority in tackling the issue - it made savings of �700,000 in its 2003/04 budget.

The council's multi-agency approach involves Oxford City Primary Care Trust, Thames Valley Police, representatives from the county's four district councils, landlords and voluntary groups.