The number of rough sleepers in London has reached its highest level in a decade, prompting warnings of a “humanitarian crisis” that is expected to get worse.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, there were 4,389 people sleeping on London’s streets, an increase of 23% compared to the same period last year, the highest number since City Hall began recording figures in 2014. More than half of them experienced sleep deprivation for the first time. Homeless charities called the figures “devastating”.
In its 2019 election manifesto, the government pledged to end sleep deprivation by the end of this parliament. One in five people helped to get indoors in Greater London’s cold-weather response this month were refugees who had recently left Home Office accommodation. Under government rules, newly recognized refugees have just 28 days to relocate.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, accused ministers of turning a “blind eye to the scale of this national crisis” and said: “Their hostile approach to refugees has left hundreds of people homeless and homeless on the streets. “I’m getting a good night’s sleep,” he said.
Crisis chief executive Matt Downey reminded us of the brutality faced by rough sleepers, saying: ‘Nine out of 10 have experienced violence or abuse, often having bricks or bottles thrown at them. Some people were urinated on,” he said.
The worst sleeping areas in London are Westminster, Camden and Ealing, according to the latest figures. 40% of those counted were from the UK, with the remainder coming from Europe (24%), Africa (15%), Asia (10%) and unknown (11%).
Fiona Colley, director of social change at charity coalition Homeless Link, said: “A dire lack of affordable housing and soaring rents in the city are denying people a fighting chance. ” he said. This is a disaster that must be addressed immediately. We are calling on Jeremy Hunt to use the spring budget to protect homelessness support and ensure services are adequately funded. ”
Meanwhile, support services reported an increase in demand since record numbers in January.
John Glenton, executive director of care and support at housing charity Riverside, said: “Our deep concern here is that we have not yet reached the peak of this crisis.”
Emma Haddad, chief executive of London’s rough sleeping charity St Mungo’s, said her support team was inundated with new people sleeping on the streets. He called for emergency help to help them find housing and a moratorium on evictions from the Home Office. Asylum accommodation during bad weather.
“Too many people are left vulnerable because of the lack of affordable and suitable housing,” she said.
The Department for Level Up, Housing and Communities has been contacted for comment.