New government figures have been released showing a 20% rise in rough sleeping across England.
Charlotte Talbott, Chief Executive of Emmaus UK, says the latest figures are “deeply concerning” and highlight the urgent need for change.
The statistics, published today (February 27th) by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, show a rise from 3,898 to 4,667 people sleeping rough on a given night. That is 769 more people left without a safe place to call home.
This marks the third consecutive year of rising rough sleeping numbers and a 16.4% increase since 2010 when the snapshot approach was introduced. The rate of rough sleeping has also increased to 8.1 people per 100,000, up from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2023.
Charlotte cautions that these figures only reveal part of the problem and significantly underestimate the true scale of homelessness.
She said: “It is unacceptable that rough sleeping continues to rise. These figures are shocking, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. We often forget that behind every statistic there are real people. Many people experiencing homelessness are hidden – sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, or living in unsafe conditions just to avoid the streets.
“At Emmaus, we see this reality every day. In the past year alone, we have supported 29% more people who have experienced homelessness. Our communities are working hard to meet the growing need, but the pressure on services is increasing.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. We need long-term solutions – urgent investment in homelessness services and truly affordable housing, alongside the right support to help people rebuild their lives. Without action, we will continue to see more people forced into crisis.”
The statistics come from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England, which records the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in Autumn. However, homelessness charities warn that the true scale of the issue is much greater.
At Emmaus, we believe in long-term solutions to homelessness. Simply counting the number of people on the streets isn’t enough – we need action to address the root causes of homelessness and prevent people from ending up in crisis.
Jay Flynn MBE, Emmaus UK’s new ambassador who slept rough on the streets of London for two years before finding help, and went on to become ‘the nation’s quizmaster’ and a homelessness advocate, says:
“We need to humanise homelessness. Homelessness can happen to anyone, and I’m proof of that.
“Right now there are human beings living out on the streets, going day to day carrying their belongings in bags, not speaking to anyone. I’ve been there for two years.
“I didn’t know how to get help. It was soul destroying. I barely had a conversation, I was a shell.
“I’m also living proof of the difference that can be made to someone with the right support. These figures show there is so much work to do to end homelessness. We need to change perceptions and give a voice to people who have been there like I have.”
Ahead of the 2024 General Election we launched an Emmaus Manifesto demanding Action on Homelessness, with calls for more social housing to provide affordable, stable homes, better funding for homelessness support services and opportunities to help people rebuild their lives.
About the rough sleeping figures
The rough sleeping snapshot was compiled on a single night in autumn 2024. The figures were collected by local authorities who either conduct a count or submit an estimate of the number of people sleeping rough on that night.
About Emmaus
Emmaus supports adults who are homeless, vulnerably housed or at risk. Emmaus communities offer a home for as long as it is needed, giving each person the stability and security to rebuild their life after experiencing homelessness.
Find out how to get help from Emmaus.