Record Homelessness in England: Rough Sleeping at Highest Level Since 2010

England is facing a worsening homelessness crisis, with new government figures revealing record numbers of people sleeping rough and a surge in families living in temporary accommodation. The latest data paints a bleak picture, prompting calls for urgent action to increase affordable housing and bolster support for those at risk.

Record High in Rough Sleeping

A new snapshot reveals that 4,793 people were estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in Autumn 2025, marking the highest number since records began in 2010. This represents a 3% increase from 2024 and a 171% rise since 2010.

The figures also show a concerning rise in female rough sleepers, with an 8% increase from the previous year, reaching 733. The North East and North West regions experienced the steepest increases in rough sleeping rates, with rises of 31% and 20% respectively compared to the previous year.

Temporary Accommodation Reaches Record Levels

Alongside the rise in rough sleeping, the number of households in temporary accommodation has also reached record highs. As of September 2025, 134,760 households were living in temporary accommodation, a 7% increase from the same period in 2024. This includes 175,990 children, representing another record figure and a 7% increase year-on-year.

Despite a slight decrease in the number of households seeking council support and being found to be experiencing or at risk of homelessness (down 3% to 81,360), approximately 900 people still require council assistance each day.

Calls for Increased Social Housing and Welfare Support

Responding to the data, Crisis is urging the government to significantly increase the delivery of social housing and unfreeze housing benefit to ensure affordability for low-income individuals. Despite a pledge of £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing over the next decade, only 17,000 social homes were delivered in England last year – far short of the estimated 90,000 needed annually to address the housing crisis. In fact, there was a net loss of nearly 4,000 social homes, more than double the loss from the previous year.

The charity also highlights the need to address gaps in the welfare system, noting that only 2.4% of private rental properties in England are affordable for those receiving housing benefit.

Government Response and Funding

The UK government has announced over £50 million in funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. £37 million will be allocated to voluntary, community, and faith groups providing homelessness prevention services, while the remaining funds will support 28 areas facing the greatest long-term rough sleeping pressures. Crisis welcomes this funding but emphasizes the importance of investing in proven programs like Housing First, which aims to end long-term rough sleeping.

Understanding the Data and Hidden Numbers

The annual rough sleeping snapshot is compiled by local councils with assistance from outreach workers and community groups. While it provides a valuable year-on-year comparison, it’s acknowledged that other measures offer a more accurate picture of the total number of people experiencing homelessness, particularly women who may be less visible for safety reasons.

Research by Crisis and Heriot-Watt University estimates that the actual number of people sleeping rough in England is more than three times higher than the snapshot suggests, with over 15,000 people estimated to have slept rough in 2024.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, described the figures as a “bleak picture of the state of the nation,” emphasizing the dangers faced by those sleeping on the streets and the need for a national emergency response.