Sitting against a shop front in the Gay Village, tucked in layers of clothing and a wet sleeping bag, a man watches cars and pedestrians go by.
James, who asked to change his name to protect his identity, is happy to speak about the impact the cost of living crisis is having on him, But he’s quick to mention one important detail about himself. “I’m not homeless.” the 54-year-old man says.
Having been on the streets for 25 years, James got a place to stay in September thanks to Manchester City Council and a housing agency. But he says the pile-up of bills and debts has left him in a desperate situation once again.
