New data released today (31 July 2025) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) which covers April to June 2025 has shown an increase in rough sleeping. In total, 4392 people were recorded as rough sleeping in London this spring. This is an increase of 4% on the same period last year.
The data also shows:
- 2014 people were rough sleeping for the first time, a 4% increase on the same figure this time last year
- 1686 people were intermittently rough sleeping, 2% lower than the same period last year
- 788 people deemed to be living on the streets, 26% higher than the same figure this time last year
- 1,743 had a mental health support need, 52% of the total number of people rough sleeping
Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, says: “Not only were more people rough sleeping for the first time this spring, but the numbers of people living on London’s streets jumped by over a quarter – a startling rise compared to the same period last year. We should all be deeply concerned by these figures.
A safe, decent and affordable home is the foundation of a healthy life. It is a tragedy that anyone should lose theirs due to a sudden job loss or soaring rent rises. Yet increasingly, our outreach teams are meeting people experiencing homelessness for the first time.
From our frontline work, we see just how rapidly and severely rough sleeping can damage a person’s mental and physical health, even after spending just one night out in the cold. Timely, trauma-informed support and emergency accommodation is essential. But with support services stretched to the limit, people are having to wait far too long for help.
Spotting the warning signs and intervening before someone ends up on the streets is key to breaking the cycle of homelessness for good.
We welcome the Government’s investment in social housing and homelessness services. This momentum needs to be maintained with the publication of the now overdue homelessness strategy with a clear focus on prevention — so that no one has to face another night on the streets.”
