Record levels of rough sleepers in England, figures reveal
BBC World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Record levels of rough sleepers in England have been recorded, with 4,793 people estimated to be sleeping on the streets during a single night last autumn. This marks the highest number since records began in 2010, reflecting a concerning trend of growing homelessness and inadequate housing support. The government has allocated £50 million over three years to councils and frontline services to address this crisis, but the demand continues to outpace resources. London remains the worst-affected region with 1,277 rough sleepers, while areas like the northeast saw a staggering 31% increase in cases, highlighting the severity of the issue across England.
The situation is particularly dire for women, as female rough sleeping rose by 8%, reaching 733 individuals. Charities and organizations, such as Leeds-based Homeless Street Angels, are struggling to meet the growing demand for support. They provide essentials like food and shelter to those on the streets, but their capacity is stretched thin. One individual, Josh, has been homeless for over a year, relying on daily walks into town for food while sleeping in a tent under a bridge. His story underscores the challenges faced by many in securing stable housing and accessing social services.
The rise in rough sleeping reflects broader societal issues, including limited affordable housing and systemic failures in supporting vulnerable populations. Charities emphasize that finding temporary accommodation is only part of the solution; ensuring individuals do not return to the streets requires ongoing mental health support and stability. With the number of UK-born rough sleepers increasing by 5%, the need for long-term solutions is more urgent than ever. The government’s funding injection aims to address these issues, but critics argue it may not be sufficient to reverse this alarming trend.
The severity of the situation is further highlighted by regional disparities and the growing number of repeat cases. In Leeds, rough sleeping has risen by 75% over three years, despite a slight dip in 2025 figures compared to 2024. Charities like Homeless Street Angels are overwhelmed, with demand for their services doubling since 2022. Gareth’s story, who found stability after six months of support, shows the transformative impact of proper assistance but also highlights how fragile this progress can be.
For readers interested in global and political issues, the rise in rough sleeping in England is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many countries in addressing homelessness. This issue not only affects individuals’ quality of life
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026