Government figures show an increase in people sleeping rough in Brighton and across the South East of England. The figures were released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as part of a rough sleeping snapshot.
In Brighton, there was an increase of 27% in people reported to be sleeping rough. Across the South East of England, there was a 17% increase.
Statutory homelessness has also increased across the region. 10,920 households were owed a prevention or relief duty for homelessness during the period July – September 2023. This is a 9.7% increase on the same period last year.
The data was collected by local councils as part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England.
Responding to the updated statistics, Karen Chapman (pictured), Chief Executive of Sussex Emmaus said: “Today’s figures are worrying and show that this is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Homelessness is all around us and so much of it isn’t visible. Rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg, with an increase in statutory homelessness overall and so many people sofa surfing, staying in B&B’s and in temporary accommodation.”
“Emmaus Brighton & Hove provides a home and meaningful work opportunities for 56 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We are proud of the work we do in helping to alleviate homelessness. Clearly more needs to be done in Brighton and across the country to get these statistics moving in the right direction.”