Rough sleeping - our analysis

How many people sleep rough each night?

According to the latest figures, collected in the autumn of 2017 and published in January 2018, 4,751 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on any one night.

Is rough sleeping on the rise?

There was an increase of 15% from 2016 to 2017, while since 2010 rough sleeping estimates show an increase of 169%.

Which areas saw the biggest increases?

In 2017, the North West of England saw the biggest percentage increase in rough sleeping since last year (39%). This is followed by the East Midlands (23%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (20%). 

Rough sleeping 2017 analysis

On 25 January 2018, the Department for Communities and Local Government released the 2017 figures on levels of rough sleeping across England. These provide a snapshot of the number of people who sleep rough on any one night, based on counts or estimates carried out by local authorities. The following analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest increases when compared with previous years.

Downloads

• Homeless Link - analysis of rough sleeping statistics for England 2017.pdf | 442K

Rough sleeping 2014 - 2016 analysis

This analysis provides a snapshot of the number of people who sleep rough on any one night, based on counts or estimates carried out by local authorities. The following analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest increases when compared with previous years.

Downloads

• Homeless Link - analysis of rough sleeping statistics for England 2016.pdf | 297K
• Homeless Link - analysis of 2015 rough sleeping statistics for England.pdf | 60K
• Homeless Link - analysis of 2014 rough sleeping statistics for England.pdf | 104K

Rough sleeping in London: analysis of CHAIN data

The CHAIN database, managed by St Mungo’s, captures information about people who sleep rough in London. These figures are updated quarterly.

Downloads

• CHAIN Rough Sleeping Data - April-June 2017.pdf | 561K
• CHAIN Rough Sleeping data - Jan-March 2017.pdf.pdf | 611K
• CHAIN Rough Sleeping data - July-Sept 2016.pdf | 304K
• CHAIN Rough Sleeping data - April-June 2016.pdf | 141K
• CHAIN Rough Sleeping data - Jan-March 2016.pdf | 139K