London rough sleeping figures climb despite government pledge

Despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping, the number of people sleeping rough in London remains high.

Data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) reveals that 4,678 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital between July and September 2026.

While this represents a 1% decrease compared with the same period in 2025, it marks an 18% rise on the previous quarter.

The news comes as the government have pledged to offer every rough sleeper in England accommodation this winter.

Urgent need for action

According to the figures, 2,168 people were recorded as sleeping rough for the first time in Q2, 2% higher than the same time last year, and 29% higher than the previous quarter

People sleeping rough for the first time accounted for 46% of the total number in July to September

The number of people classed as living on the streets was 819, 8% higher than the same time last year and 20% higher than the previous quarter.

Crisis chief executive Matt Downie said: “No one should be forced to sleep on the streets, exposed to extreme weather, violence or abuse.

“The rise in the number of people living on the streets in our capital underlines the urgent need for action. We saw a clear priority towards ending rough sleeping in the Autumn Budget, where the Prime Minister made clear this is a moral mission for his government, backed by long-term funding to help people off the streets in England and extending support beyond Christmas.

“We also welcome the increased investment in social housing, as homelessness cannot be solved without secure, affordable homes for people to move into.”

Prevent homelessness in the first place

Mr Downie added: “However, behind these numbers are people living the trauma of homelessness. It’s clear that urgent action must continue to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. As cost-of-living pressures continue to push more people towards homelessness and into need of support from charities like Crisis, we must prioritise providing safe, settled homes and the support people need to keep them, in line with the proven Housing First approach.

“Crisis stands ready to work with the Mayor and Greater London to support efforts to expand Housing First locally, to end rough sleeping for people with the most complex support needs.

“It is also vital that we prevent homelessness in the first place by the Westminster government restoring housing benefit, so it reflects the real cost of private rents, preventing people from losing the roof over their heads. By taking these steps, we can finally consign rough sleeping to the history books.”