9% drop in the number of people estimated to be rough sleeping in England – Crisis Response 

The Government’s annual rough sleeping statistics for England, published today, found an estimated 2,440 people to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021. This is a decrease of 9% from last year.

The figures show:

• There were 2,440 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021. 
• This is down by 248 people or 9% from last year and has fallen for a fourth year in a row from its peak in 2017.
• Most people sleeping rough in England are male, aged over 26 years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years. 
• Nearly half (45%) of all people seen sleeping rough on a single night in the autumn are in London and the South East (full breakdown below). 

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “It’s very encouraging that there continues to be fewer people sleeping on our streets and that the numbers remain below pre-pandemic estimates – highlighting again that by prioritising ending homelessness we can make a difference.   

“But we cannot be complacent – one person sleeping on the streets is too many but for thousands to be facing this brutality is simply unacceptable. We must also remember that all the protections are now gone, and with the cost-of-living crisis piling additional pressure on to cash strapped budgets, councils are sounding the alarm that more people risk being thrown into the void of homelessness.   

“We can and must prevent this. By rolling out Housing First programmes across the country, which would ensure that people with complex support needs are given a home and the help they need to keep it, the Westminster Government can ensure that people can leave the streets behind for good. This must be backed up by a strategy to deliver the affordable housing we need so that people can stay safe in their homes. Only this ambitious action will ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.” 

Ends

Notes to Editor

Rough sleeping count regional breakdown:

How the count is conducted: 

The government’s annual rough sleeping count is based on a snapshot of a single night, either through a physical street count, an estimate of the number of people sleeping rough, or using both an estimate and spotlight count in a local area. It is the only official data available in England. 

The system has improved somewhat over the years and has helped provide more of an insight into the scale of the problem than we had in the past. But it’s still not doing the job it needs to. 

This disparity is because the government’s counts and estimates inevitably miss a significant number of people living on the streets, including those not sleeping rough when the count takes place, those hidden from view, and those who aren’t bedded down for the night. In areas where there aren't commissioned outreach teams it is more likely that people are missed. 

Crucially, these figures are a small part of a much bigger picture. Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness and while tackling it is vital, there are currently tens of thousands of homeless people hidden from view, sleeping on floors and sofas or stuck in hostels, shelters and B&Bs.