Homelessness in England Faces Sharp Increase

(MENAFN) Homelessness in England has surged dramatically over the past year, according to a recent report, which warns that local councils are struggling to manage growing demand alongside financial pressures.

The Homelessness Monitor England 2025 report, produced by the UK-based charity Crisis, revealed that the number of individuals sleeping rough increased by 20% over the last year, reaching 4,667—almost twice the lowest levels observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In London, more than half of those sleeping on the streets are now non-UK nationals, reflecting both a rise in asylum applications and efforts to reduce the backlog of pending cases, the report indicated.

During 2024, councils evaluated 330,000 households as homeless or at risk of homelessness. This figure represents a 4% increase compared to the previous year and a 21% rise over the past three years, the report highlighted.

The increase was particularly pronounced in London, where the number of people at risk grew by 7%, and those already homeless rose by 27%.

Seventy percent of local authorities reported that demand for homelessness services had intensified.

The report also noted steep rises in homelessness linked to evictions from Home Office asylum accommodation, which climbed 37%, as well as among individuals leaving institutions like prisons or hospitals, which increased by 22%.

Cases associated with domestic abuse have grown by 14% since 2021, following the introduction of new legal protections for survivors.

Meanwhile, the study warned that the overall system’s ability to address and resolve homelessness has weakened, leaving local authorities under significant strain.

MENAFN11112025000045017167ID1110326473