Housing minister Hilary Armstrong said the government's Winter Shelter Programme would help voluntary groups in London, Bristol, Cambridge and Brighton to provide more than 500 beds.

The money would also help to provide advice and care during the coldest months.

It is part of the government's drive to reduce the number of people spending their nights on the streets by two-thirds by 2002.

Rough sleepers with mental problems will be given attention

Rough sleepers with mental health problems will also be helped by a £200,000 Department of Health programme.

Ms Armstrong, launching the move at Care's shelter in Camden, north London, on Monday said: "People should not need to sleep on the streets in this country.

"The Winter Shelter Programme provides extra emergency help to people who do sleep rough at a time of year when they are most vulnerable.

"The programme is part of our overall campaign to tackle the wide range of issues facing rough sleepers.

"Working with voluntary organisations, we can offer not only shelter but the opportunity of a fresh start, with help to find permanent accommodation.

"These shelters also give support to people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.