New data released by the Greater London Authority has exposed a record surge in rough sleeping, reaching its highest level in a decade.
The figures, covering the period from October to December 2023, reveal that 4,389 individuals were observed sleeping on the streets of the capital—a staggering 23% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
This spike has prompted urgent calls for action from the Homeless Charity Shelter, which declared the situation a crisis demanding immediate attention.
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, emphasised that “a cold doorway or a flimsy tent is no substitute for a proper home.” Urging all political parties to commit to building 90,000 new social homes annually with rents tied to local incomes.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced plans to expand the No Second Night Out Hub scheme, aimed at providing assessment spaces and beds to help people off the streets.
Critics argue that more substantial efforts are needed to address the root causes of homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing.
The government pledged in its 2019 election manifesto to end rough sleeping by the end of the current parliament. Parliament said it is determined “to end rough sleeping for good.”
MP Felicity Buchan highlighted the £2 billion allocated to councils, including £188.2 million specifically for London, to tackle homelessness.
Despite these efforts, concerns persist over the effectiveness of existing strategies. Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Hina Bokhari emphasised the importance of immediate assistance also calling for an examination of the factors contributing to the dramatic rise since 2014.
The government prepares to publish rough sleeping estimates for the entire country later in February.
Homeless Charity Shelter has called for urgent action, declaring the situation a crisis demanding immediate attention
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HeadlineRecord surge in rough sleeping hits London prompting calls for urgent action
Short HeadlineLondon faces record surge in rough sleeping
StandfirstSharp increase in rough sleeping raises alarms, as government and charities wrestle with escalating crisis.
New data released by the Greater London Authority has exposed a record surge in rough sleeping, reaching its highest level in a decade.
The figures, covering the period from October to December 2023, reveal that 4,389 individuals were observed sleeping on the streets of the capital—a staggering 23% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
This spike has prompted urgent calls for action from the Homeless Charity Shelter, which declared the situation a crisis demanding immediate attention.
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, emphasised that “a cold doorway or a flimsy tent is no substitute for a proper home.” Urging all political parties to commit to building 90,000 new social homes annually with rents tied to local incomes.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced plans to expand the No Second Night Out Hub scheme, aimed at providing assessment spaces and beds to help people off the streets.
Critics argue that more substantial efforts are needed to address the root causes of homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing.
The government pledged in its 2019 election manifesto to end rough sleeping by the end of the current parliament. Parliament said it is determined “to end rough sleeping for good.”
MP Felicity Buchan highlighted the £2 billion allocated to councils, including £188.2 million specifically for London, to tackle homelessness.
Despite these efforts, concerns persist over the effectiveness of existing strategies. Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Hina Bokhari emphasised the importance of immediate assistance also calling for an examination of the factors contributing to the dramatic rise since 2014.
The government prepares to publish rough sleeping estimates for the entire country later in February.
Homeless Charity Shelter has called for urgent action, declaring the situation a crisis demanding immediate attention
