Rough Sleeping Soars by 26% in One Year – Biggest Spike Since 2015
Rough sleeping has surged dramatically, with the latest annual count revealing a 26% jump compared to 2021. This marks the biggest year-on-year increase since 2015 — and a staggering 74% rise since 2010, when the current counting method began. The shocking stats break a four-year streak of falling numbers, signalling a growing crisis on Britain’s streets.
Charity Warns Homeless Services on Brink of Collapse
Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link, spoke out about the bleak situation facing those sleeping rough. He said:
“An often punitive welfare system and increasingly stretched health services are failing people experiencing homelessness. At the same time, financial pressures mean hundreds of homelessness services across the country are on the verge of shutting down, leaving vulnerable people with nowhere to turn.”
Urgent Government Action Needed Ahead of Budget
Henderson urged the Government to act fast before the upcoming Budget, saying:
“The Government can and must take urgent action to keep homelessness services afloat. This is a chance to recognise the soaring costs of delivering these services and increase funding in line with inflation.”
“With rents rising and more households being evicted from the private rental sector, it’s essential to unfreeze the Local Housing Allowance. Housing benefit must reflect current rents, and the long-promised rental reforms should finally be delivered to stop the homelessness tide rising even further.”
