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England’s Rough Sleeping Hits Record High as Ministers Announce £50m Response

A think-tank report highlighting a rising share of non-British rough sleepers adds pressure for targeted action alongside official data showing a fourth consecutive annual increase.

Overview

  • An estimated 4,793 people slept rough on a single night in autumn 2025, up 3% on 2024 and 171% higher than in 2010, marking a new record.
  • The government unveiled £50m for homelessness efforts, including £37m for voluntary, community and faith groups and £15m for 28 high-pressure areas, as part of a £3.6bn strategy.
  • Homelessness minister Alison McGovern wrote to councils expressing extreme concern over reports that families with children have been left sleeping rough.
  • Separate data show 134,760 households were in temporary accommodation in September 2025, with about 175,990 children affected, both at record levels.
  • The Centre for Social Justice reported that 24% of rough sleepers in England are not British, rising to 47% in London, and urged expanded Housing First capacity and new return arrangements for non-UK nationals.