Today, the government published their latest rough sleeping snapshot for England. The figures show another increase to the number of people sleeping on the streets, making it the highest number on record. Our CEO, Duncan Shrubsole, said the following:
“The Government just published their most recent rough sleeping statistics. 4,793 people were rough sleeping on a single night in Autumn in England, the highest number ever recorded. This also marks a 171% increase since 2010, when the rough sleeping snapshot began and the fourth successive year of increases, turning back all the progress that was made in getting people off the streets during Covid.
Official data released today also show too many have been on the streets too long, or have returned to rough sleeping and that nearly a third (31%) of people sleeping rough reported it was because they didn’t know how to find accommodation or help and 20% that there was no homeless accommodation available locally.
And behind each statistic we must remember is a real person sleeping outside, in the cold, without a home, and the physical and emotional security that brings. This is simply unacceptable.
The Government set out its Strategy to tackle homelessness in December – we need the Government to go faster and further to ensure we have the accommodation, services, benefits and support needed to help those people sleeping today and prevent more people sleeping rough tomorrow. There is not a moment to lose.”
