Rough sleeping hits record high in England
Official statistics have revealed that the number of people sleeping rough in the UK has increased for the fourth year in a row, reaching a record high.
Newly released figures show that by Fall 2025, an estimated 4,763 people are barely sleeping on a single night. This is up 3 percent from 2024, surpassing the previous peak of 4,751 seen in 2017.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) found the figure had increased by 171 per cent compared to 2010.
According to statistics, around 43 per cent of people sleeping rough are in London and the South East.
The MHCLG statement also reveals that the number of households living in temporary accommodation continues to reach record levels at 134,760 in September; This figure is a seven percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The findings were revealed on the same day the department announced a £50 million commitment to help councils and organizations tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.
Split between two programmes, £37 million will be allocated to voluntary groups, communities and faith groups across England who provide day-to-day services to prevent homelessness.
The remainder of the funds will go to the 28 areas facing the toughest long-term sleeping pressures, including London.
The funding forms part of the government’s £3.6bn homelessness strategy, which aims to halve long-term sleeping by 2029, end the illegal use of family hostels and improve homelessness prevention.
Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, said of the statistics: “The Government’s failure to grasp the problem of insomnia is deeply worrying.
“Given that people are suffering, it is clear that spending resources to lift people out of homelessness is not enough.
Joseph Elliott, chief analyst at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “When we are not sure we all have a decent home we can afford, we fail in our most basic responsibility to protect people’s dignity. It is appalling that the number of children growing up in temporary accommodation and people sleeping rough is reaching record levels.”
“Homelessness and rough sleeping are not inevitable, but if private tenants are trapped paying unaffordable rents and we fail to build enough social homes, they will continue. Exorbitant rents keep families mired in financial instability and uncertainty, and the threat of homelessness hangs over their heads.”
Announcing the £50 million fund today, Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society.
“I have seen for myself the vital work organizations do to help people who have nowhere to live.
“This announcement is about helping incredible workers on the front lines.
“This is the next step in our National Plan to End Homelessness which will finally tackle this shameful crisis on our streets.”
MHCLG has been approached for comment.
