The annual rough sleeping statistics, published today (24
February 2022), show that rates have fallen for a fourth year in
a row with a 9% reduction in rough sleeping compared to last
year. Numbers have fallen in every region of England, taking
levels to an 8-year low overall.
The number of people in emergency accommodation has also nearly
halved, with more people securing long-term homes.
Rough Sleeping and Housing Minister said:
The government remains focused on ending rough sleeping by the
end of this parliament and we’re making excellent progress
towards this.
Today’s figures are testament to that, showing our investment is
helping more people have a roof over their heads and the best
possible chance of turning their lives around.
£800 million has been invested this year alone to tackle
homelessness and rough sleeping, with £2 billion committed over
the next 3 years.
This includes providing 6,000 long-term homes through the £433
million Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme and up to £52
million for rehab and detox services for people with drug or
alcohol issues.
The government has committed to publishing its Rough Sleeping
strategy, to set out a plan for how it will continue its work to
end rough sleeping by ensuring rough sleeping is prevented in the
first instance, and responded to effectively in the rare cases
where it occurs.
Further information
Today’s Annual rough sleeping
snapshot measures the number of people sleeping rough on a
single night in autumn 2021.
As part of its commitment to be more transparent, the government
has published additional data on the support available for rough
sleepers, providing a fuller picture so the problem can be
tackled.
