29 July 2022
Leading homelessness charity St Mungo’s has described the increase in the number of people seen sleeping rough in London as ‘concerning, but not surprising’.
New data, released today (29 July 2022) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) shows that between April and June 2022 almost 3,000 people were seen sleeping rough in the capital, with almost half (48%) doing so for the first time.
The figures also reveal that:
- The 2,998 individuals seen sleeping rough in London is an increase of 16% on the previous three months and a 23% increase on the same period in 2021
- Of the 1,442 new rough sleepers 46 people were considered to have transitioned to as living on the streets – an increase of 70% on the previous three months and of 92% on the same period in 2021.
- The total number of people defined as ‘Living on the Streets’ has increased by 13% on the previous quarter and now accounts for more than 1/10 (14%) people who are street homeless in London
- Almost three quarters of people (74%) who were new to the streets were supported with a place to stay before they had to spend a second night sleeping rough
St Mungo’s Director of Rough Sleeping Petra Salva OBE said: “These figures although concerning, are not a surprise. Our expert teams are out every day – morning and night – across London and we have seen the numbers of people on the streets creeping up.
“The end of the increased accommodation support measures provided during the pandemic, and the effect of the cost of living crisis are clear to see.
“And the fear is that the situation will get only worse – especially when you consider the number of households who are at real risk of losing their homes is also increasing.
“St Mungo’s services will continue to work tirelessly to prevent people from coming to the streets, and ensuring those who do are moved off them as quickly as possible.
“The fact that the percentage of people prevented from spending a second night out remains relatively consistent at around 75% – despite the actual number of people rising – is testament to the hard work and dedication of the outreach and No Second Night Out teams across London.”
Yesterday (28 July 2022), the Government released its Statutory Homelessness figures for January to March 2022.
The figures show there were 37,260 households at risk of becoming homeless when compared to the same period last year which is a 15% increase.
This number includes a 142% increase in households facing homelessness after being evicted as result end of the eviction ban.
The number of household threatened with homelessness due to the end of social rented tenancy more than doubled (up 117.2%) to 3,150 households, driven by a large increase in rent arrears.
Figures also show a 21.7% increase in the number of homes where the lead applicant for homelessness support was in full time employment.
CHAIN is commissioned and funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and managed by Homeless Link.
Anyone who is concerned about a person who is sleeping rough should contact Streetlink via https://thestreetlink.org.uk/
Find out more about St Mungo’s and how you can support its work here.
