Government plans to criminalise rough sleeping have been condemned by a Norwich charity boss.

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, chief executive of Hopestead, denounced the proposals in the new Criminal Justice Bill as "morally wrong".

Citing poverty, mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse and relationship breakdowns as some of the primary contributors to homelessness, Ms Delbrouque emphasised the need for more comprehensive support measures.

Norwich Evening News: Hopestead - part of Flagship Group - has been dedicated to ending homelessness since it was launched in 2021 Hopestead - part of Flagship Group - has been dedicated to ending homelessness since it was launched in 2021 (Image: PA)

In her critique, Ms Delbrouque said: "Hopestead strongly condemns these plans, which not only overlook the fundamental causes of homelessness but could also intensify the challenges faced by some of our community's most vulnerable individuals.

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"It's concerning to think of punishing individuals for their sheer need to find a place to sleep on the streets. This approach is morally wrong and misdirected."

The bill, which has sparked considerable backlash, grants the police power to remove rough sleepers causing a "nuisance".

If passed, the law could also impose prison sentences or fines of up to £2,500 on individuals sleeping rough.

Ms Delbrouque said: “We do not support placing the burden of a failing system on the criminal system that is already at breaking point itself.

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"The government needs to focus on taking decisive action that will end homelessness for good.”

The Times has reported that the bill's progress has been 'paused' as ministers discuss concerns with backbench MPs.

Norwich Evening News: Marie-Claire Delbrouque, chief executive officer of the charity Hopestead Marie-Claire Delbrouque, chief executive officer of the charity Hopestead (Image: Hopestead)

Government statistics indicate a rise in rough sleeping in the East of England, with 337 people on just one night in autumn of last year, reflecting an 18pc increase since 2022.

READ MORE: 'Remarkable' rough sleeping numbers revealed for Norwich

However, in Norwich that has fallen for a third successive year, from seven to five - with the figures a snapshot based on that one night.

Hopestead, a branch of Flagship Group, has committed itself to fighting homelessness since its establishment in 2021.

Ms Delbrouque urges the public to join her in signing an open letter organised by Crisis, a charity campaigning to end homelessness within the next 10 years.