Crisis calls for clarity on national strategy as rough sleeping rises again in London

Crisis calls for more detail from Westminster government on new homelessness strategy as data shows people “living on the streets” up 42% in a year 

Figures from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), released today, show that the numbers of people forced to sleep rough in London from July to September 2024 have increased by 18% from the same period last year [1]. The data shows: 

• In total, 4,780 people were seen sleeping rough in London from July to September 2024, an increase of 18% from the same period last year 

• The number of people sleeping rough for the first time in London rose to 2,343 between July and September 2024, up 12% from the same period in 2023 

• The number of people considered to be “living on the streets” rose 42% from the same period last year, with 681 people considered to be living on the streets longer-term 

In yesterday’s Budget (30 October), UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £233 million of additional spending for local government in 2025-26 to prevent homelessness. The Chancellor announced a £500 million boost to the Affordable Homes Programme, which should support 5,000 additional affordable homes. The Budget documents also identified rough sleeping, homelessness and greater investment in social housing as priorities for reform in the second phase of next year’s spending review. 

These commitments follow UK Government promises to set up a cross-departmental strategy to end all forms of homelessness and a ban on section 21 (no-fault) evictions, both of which should have an impact on the numbers of people forced onto the streets. Earlier this week, the Mayor of London’s office hosted a summit to inform his mission to end rough sleeping in the capital – and announced new funding measures.  

Crisis cites increased rents, the rising costs of living and a significant lack of social housing as driving increases in homelessness. Councils are struggling to find and fund temporary accommodation for the rising number of people seeking urgent housing support, and are struggling to fund essential support services for those who need them. Crisis argues that we need to build 90,000 new social homes per year in England to meet housing need. 

Responding to today’s figures, Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: “It’s shameful that so many people are being forced to sleep rough, taking refuge in doorways and seeking safety on night buses. No one should be forced to live permanently on the streets, or to spend even one night in such a desperate, dangerous situation. 

“Ministers have made some really promising commitments, including more money for councils and funding for new social and affordable homes. Yet this latest data is a stark reminder that we also need a coherent, long-term plan. The UK government should consult as soon as possible on its promised strategy for ending all forms of homelessness and demonstrate the political will that can fix this awful, broken system.” 

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[1] Rough sleeping in London (CHAIN reports), updated 31 October 2024.