In a distressing development, rough sleeping in London has reached an unprecedented high, with the number of people forced to sleep on the streets surging by an alarming 18% compared to the previous year. The latest figures, covering the months of July, August, and September, paint a grim picture of a deepening homelessness crisis in the capital.
According to official counts, a staggering 4,780 individuals were found sleeping rough during this period – the highest recorded number since these quarterly assessments began a decade ago. Emma Haddad, chief executive of the homelessness charity St Mungo’s, described the situation as one that “should incense us all,” highlighting the urgent need for action.
New Rough Sleepers and Entrenched Homelessness on the Rise
The data reveals a worrying 12% increase in the number of new rough sleepers, with over 2,300 people finding themselves on the streets for the first time. Even more concerning is the 42% rise in those considered to be living constantly on the streets, now totaling 681 individuals. This entrenched homelessness poses a significant challenge, as it becomes increasingly difficult for people to break the cycle and rebuild their lives.
Charities Demand Government Action
Homelessness charities are calling on the Labour government to take decisive steps to address the escalating crisis. Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, emphasized the need for a coherent, long-term plan, urging the government to consult on its promised strategy for ending all forms of homelessness. He stressed the importance of demonstrating the political will to fix what he described as an “awful, broken system.”
“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.”
– Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis
Mayor Pledges Action, Blames Previous Government
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has pledged to launch a plan of action next year with the ambitious goal of ending rough sleeping by 2030. However, a spokesperson for the mayor pointed to “the legacy of years of underinvestment from the previous government in housing and support” as a major contributing factor to the current crisis. They warned that the situation is likely to worsen this winter before any improvements can be made.
Diversity Among Rough Sleepers
The data also sheds light on the diverse backgrounds of those experiencing rough sleeping in London. Nearly half of the individuals counted were UK nationals, while close to a quarter originated from continental Europe, with Romania and Poland being the most common countries of origin. The remaining rough sleepers were primarily from African and Asian nations. The majority (80%) were men, and the most prevalent age group was 36-45 years old.
Challenges in Providing Temporary Accommodation
Local authorities are grappling with the challenge of securing and funding temporary accommodation as rising rents and the cost of living crisis push more people to seek assistance. Riverside, a charity that provides hostel accommodation, highlighted the lack of significant investment in hostels in England since 2011, resulting in a nearly 25% reduction in bed spaces between 2010 and 2022.
“Increased investment in supported housing would provide more spaces to help get more people out of temporary accommodation into a dedicated space where they can receive the support they need. These services provide a route out of homelessness and help to reduce spending on very expensive, and often inadequate, temporary housing.”
– John Glenton, Executive Director of Riverside
A Call for Urgent Action
As London faces this unprecedented homelessness crisis, it is clear that urgent action is needed to prevent further suffering and provide support to those trapped in the cycle of rough sleeping. The government must prioritize the development of a comprehensive, long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of homelessness, invests in affordable housing, and ensures access to vital mental health and addiction services.
The alarming figures serve as a wake-up call, demanding a concerted effort from all levels of government, charities, and society as a whole. Only by working together and demonstrating a genuine commitment to ending homelessness can we hope to turn the tide and ensure that no one is left to face the dangers and indignities of sleeping rough on the streets of London.
