Record Rough Sleeping in England Hits New High as Charities Warn of Crisis
Official statistics have revealed that a record number of individuals slept rough on the streets of England last year, marking a troubling escalation in the nation's homelessness crisis. An estimated 4,793 people were found sleeping in tents, doorways, or parks during a single night in autumn 2025, representing a 3% increase from the previous year. This figure surpasses the previous peak of 4,751 recorded in 2017, highlighting a persistent and growing problem.
Charities Challenge Official Estimates
Leading homelessness charities have expressed deep concern that the official numbers significantly underestimate the true scale of rough sleeping across the country. They argue that more detailed monthly estimates indicate over 9,000 people were sleeping rough during October and November, with figures exceeding 8,000 in December. Calculations by the charity Crisis suggest the real number could be as high as 15,000, painting a far grimmer picture than government statistics imply.
Sarah Elliott, chief executive of Shelter, described the situation as a national scandal, emphasizing that without decisive government intervention to address soaring private sector rents and increase social housing construction, the upward trend in homelessness is unlikely to reverse.
Rising Temporary Accommodation and Vulnerable Groups
The data also exposes a sharp rise in the number of children living in homeless families placed in temporary accommodation, which reached a record high of 175,990—an increase of 12,020 in just one year. This surge underscores the broader housing instability affecting families across England.
Separate figures from the charity Independent Age reveal a 79% increase over the past five years in households headed by older people at risk of homelessness due to housing benefit failing to keep pace with rent levels. Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, noted that many older private renters are struggling to afford their rent, leading to heightened eviction risks.
Historical Context and Government Response
Rough sleeping more than doubled following the introduction of austerity measures in 2010, with significant declines only occurring during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 due to the "Everybody In" initiative, which provided hotel accommodations for thousands. After hitting a low of 2,443 in 2021, numbers surged by over 20% annually for the next three years. The 3% increase in 2025, the first full year under the Labour government, indicates a continued challenge.
In response, the government launched a strategy in December aimed at halving rough sleeping by the end of the current parliament. Recently, it announced a £50 million fund to support homelessness charities and target areas with high rough sleeping rates. Additionally, the Renters' Rights Act, which bans "no fault" evictions in the private rented sector, is set to take effect in May.
Charity Leaders and Ministerial Reactions
Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, stated that the new figures depict a bleak national landscape, with people forced onto the streets at unprecedented levels, exposing them to danger and violence. Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, labeled the statistics as devastating and called for ending this atrocious situation to become a top political and social priority.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern acknowledged the severity of the issue, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, it remains insufficient. She highlighted the government's record £3.6 billion investment in tackling homelessness, including the newly announced £50 million to aid councils and voluntary groups on the frontline.
As England grapples with this escalating crisis, the call for comprehensive and effective solutions grows louder, with charities and officials alike urging sustained action to address the root causes of homelessness and provide safe, stable housing for all.
