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St Mungo’s responds to data release showing another rise in London rough sleeping

New data released today (31 January 2025) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) which covers October to December 2024 has shown an increase in rough sleeping. In total, 4612 people were recorded as rough sleeping in London between October to December 2024. This is an increase of 5% on the same period last year.

The data also shows that during this period:

  • 2115  people were rough sleeping for the first time, a 7% decrease on the same figure this time last year.
  • 1872 people were intermittently rough sleeping, 16% higher than the same period last year
  • 704 people deemed to be living on the streets, 26% higher than the same figure this time last year.
  • 1767 had a mental health support need, 50.1% of the total number of people rough sleeping

 

Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad, said:

“That the latest rough sleeping figures for London have continued to rise is incredibly concerning. Behind every number is a person who has spent the night on the pavement in winter. 

“Our teams are supporting people off the streets as quickly as possible, and they will continue to do so. But we simply have to change the system so that people are getting help that prevents them having to sleep rough in the first place.

“A homelessness system focused on prevention means no one released from prison or hospital or care onto the streets; no one evicted from their accommodation because the landlord wants to double the rent; no one unable to find anywhere affordable to live because housing benefit has been frozen. There are tangible things that would prevent people having no choice but to sleep rough, and we know they are achievable by working together.”

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