The number of people sleeping rough in the UK is at its highest since records began 16 years ago

Figures show that nearly 5,000 people were sleeping rough on one single night in Autumn 2025 which is a 3% increase from the year prior. It appears that more women than ever are sleeping rough where that increased by 8% between 2024 and 2025. The government have allocated £50 million over 3 years to support local councils and homelessness services to house these individuals. Although London appears to have the highest number of rough sleepers, the biggest increase was in the North West where homelessness rose by 30% between 2024 and 2025.

Charities are celebrated for supporting rough sleepers by providing food, sleeping bags and blankets. Charities say that the demand is rising and they are struggling to meet the needs of all the rough sleepers. In Leeds, a charity makes 240 food boxes a week and individuals queue for them. This is double the number they were making in 2023 but still is not enough to feed all the mouths.

Homeless people share their struggles including sourcing a safe location to sleep outside of the city centre and contacting social workers to attempt to apply for social housing without a mobile phone. The process to communicate and make steps to get off the streets appears to be challenging for most. Charities are working to support these individuals with these challenges. The charities also support people who are sofa surfing and those who have just got accommodation but might need further support beyond housing for example with seeking a job and their mental and physical health.

The number of people sleeping rough in the UK is at its highest since records began 16 years ago

1. Why is it a challenge to understand the severity of this issue?

2. Alongside rough sleeping, the number of people in temporary accommodation has also increased. What is temporary accommodation?

3. What health conditions can come from being homeless?