The Government’s annual rough sleeping statistics for England,
published today, found an estimated 2,688 people to be sleeping
rough on a single night in autumn 2020. This is a decrease of 37%
from last year.
- There were 2,688 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a
single night in autumn 2020
- This is down by 1,578 people or 37% from last year
- Most people sleeping rough in England are male, aged over 26
years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said:
“Today’s figures reflect the amazing efforts from local
authorities and the homelessness sector over the last year to
provide people who are experiencing the worst forms of
homelessness, including those sleeping rough, with somewhere safe
to stay during the pandemic.
“Bringing people off the streets had a life changing impact – it
didn’t just provide protection against coronavirus, but gave
people an opportunity to engage with vital services, access
support and get their health back on track. For many, it put them
on a path out of homelessness for good. But we must be clear -
while positive, these statistics do not represent the full
picture. Throughout the pandemic we have seen new people forced
onto our streets and every person sleeping rough is one too many.
“The last 12 months have shown that when the political will is
there, and homelessness is given the priority it deserves, we can
bring people off the streets. As the country begins to move out
of lockdown, the Government must have a plan to help people end
their homelessness altogether and measures in place to prevent
them from losing their homes in the first place. Otherwise, we
risk seeing a surge in homelessness as soon as emergency measures
are lifted.”
