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Government data published today reveals that 3,898 people are sleeping rough in England. The number of people rough sleeping has increased by more than a quarter for two years in a row. This means the current government has failed to meet its 2019 manifesto commitment to end street homelessness by 2024, and the next government is set to inherit a deepening housing emergency. In 2023, 3,898 people were estimated to be sleeping rough in England: a 27% annual increase despite the government making an election promise in 2019 to end rough sleeping by 2024. This is likely to be an underestimate. For example, women are not properly represented in statistics. Further government data released today shows a new record high in both the number of households and the number of children who are homeless in temporary accommodation provided by local councils. 109,000 households are homeless in temporary accommodation – up 10% in a year 142,490 children are homeless – up 16,960 (14%) in a year Successive governments have deprioritized investment in social rent homes and shrugged off the urgent need for robust reform of the private rented sector. This has pushed more and more families into homelessness and temporary accommodation. And yet, no political party has a clear and comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes of all forms of homelessness. This is happening across the country. sources :
