A charity is warning homelessness and rough sleeping is likely to reach the highest levels this winter.

St Petrock’s blamed two main factors – a decision by Devon County Council to “end its support for homeless prevention and support services” and “excessive delays” in the release of the government’s strategy for tackling the issue.

Peter Stephenson, chief executive of St Petrock’s, said of the county council’s decision: “We are extremely worried that lives will be lost unnecessarily.”

The county council said it had not ended its contribution to a homeless prevention fund but acknowledged it would drop from £1m to £500,000 next financial year. The BBC has contacted the government for comment.

Mr Stephenson said people at risk of homelessness in Devon faced a “perfect storm”.

“It is simply not acceptable that some of the most vulnerable people in our community are having their lives put at serious risk simply because we have a county council that has chosen to cut the services they depend on, and a national government that is too slow to make critical decisions that affect thousands of lives across the country,” he said.

Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter, said the drop in funding was a “real concern”.

“For Devon County Council to almost completely withdraw its funding is a bit of a dereliction of duty to Exeter City Council and Exeter in general,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the homelessness strategy to be published, I know that the police and other authorities are getting together to see how we look at Exeter and rough sleeping in particular.

“However, I want to see Devon County Council reconsider that decision to cut its budget.”

A spokesperson for the county council said funding was reduced following a public consultation.

“We fund a variety of homeless prevention services however this does not include St Petrok’s,” they said.

“We have not ended our contribution to homelessness prevention fund, which is £1m this year.

“However, following a public consultation, from April it will reduce to £500,000 for the next financial year.

“We will continue to be a partner in this area of need, and to work with our district and city council colleagues to combine resources to support people who are homeless and in need of support in Devon.”

The BBC asked the government about the delay in the release of the homelessness strategy.

It previously had said “homelessness is a moral stain on our society” and it would “not stand idly by and allow that to continue”.

“That’s why we are investing £1bn to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good,” it said.