Rough Sleeping in England Rises Sharply, Up 26% in a Year
The number of people sleeping rough in England has risen sharply, with a quarter more people found on the streets in 2022 compared to the previous year. On a single night in autumn, 3,069 people were estimated to be homeless, with London accounting for 858 of these. This marks a significant increase from 2010 and 2017 levels, despite being lower than the peak in 2017.
The rise in rough sleeping follows four years of decreasing numbers, with the latest figures showing a 26% increase from 2021. Charities attribute this trend to rising prices, with the cost of housing being a significant factor. In Bristol, for instance, the cost of a one-bed apartment has risen by nearly 20% since 2019, outpacing housing benefits. London has seen the most substantial increase, with a 34% rise in a year, and 1,581 people recorded sleeping on the streets on a single night in autumn 2022.
The 'Everyone In' scheme, introduced during the pandemic, provided temporary accommodation for over 37,000 rough sleepers. However, many have not been able to secure permanent homes. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has described the increase in rough sleeping as 'extremely alarming' and called for government action.
The rise in rough sleeping, particularly in London, is a cause for concern. With rising prices and a lack of affordable housing, more people are being forced onto the streets. While the 'Everyone In' scheme provided temporary relief, the challenge of finding permanent homes remains. Urgent action is needed to address this growing issue.
