New figures released today
(29 April) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network
(CHAIN) show a decrease in rough sleeping with 2714 people
forced to sleep rough in London from January – March 2022. This
is a 10% decrease compared with the same time last year. The
figures also reveal 363 people were seen ‘living on the streets’
(long-term rough sleeping). This is a 26% drop on the previous
three months but 15% higher than the same time last year.
While it’s encouraging to see a fall in the number of people
rough sleeping, the data covers the first three months of 2022
when emergency winter accommodation was in place for part of this
period in many areas across the capital, including hotel
accommodation provided by Crisis. Now, with the increasing cost
of living piling pressure on households, there is a real risk
that more people will be forced to sleep rough over the coming
months.
Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:
“It’s pleasing to see a drop in the number of people forced to
sleep on our streets. But with thousands still having to endure
the brutality of bedding down night after night, and a rise in
people living on the streets, we still have a long way to go
before we can take our foot off the pedal.
“With rents rising across much of the country and the cost of
living soaring for most, we know that budgets are being squeezed
from all sides and this pressure is threatening to tip more and
more people into homelessness over the coming months.
“Long-term support is desperately needed so more people aren’t
forced into living on the streets. The Government must develop a
strong and bold strategy to address the chronic shortage of
affordable housing, so people can have a safe and secure place to
live. Investing in Housing First is also vital to make sure
people with complex support needs get the help and a home they
need to leave homelessness behind. Only this decisive action will
end rough sleeping for good.”
