Rough Sleeping Snapshot Estimates Toolkit 2024

Since autumn 2010, all local authorities in England have been required to submit an annual snapshot figure to MGCLG to indicate the number of people sleeping rough in their area on a ‘typical’ night between 1st October and 30th November.

Local authority leads and snapshot estimate coordinators should follow this guidance to plan and execute their annual rough sleeping snapshot estimate, and have it verified by Homeless Link ready for online submission to MHCLG no later than Friday 6th December 2024.

Q&A Sessions

This year, we will once again be running a series of live Q&A sessions for local authority leads and snapshot estimate coordinators. Scroll down to find the dates and times of this year’s sessions. Booking links will be send out with the weekly project updates. If you are leading on the rough sleeping snapshot estimate for your local authority or coordinating a count, but you are not receiving the weekly project updates, please get in touch with Viv Griffiths by email to verifiers@homelesslink.org.uk

What does the toolkit contain?

The toolkit contains a selection of pre-recorded videos and guidance documents, including:

• The definition of rough sleeping for the purpose of rough sleeping estimates
• How to choose between the three possible approaches: count-based estimate, an evidence-based estimate, and an evidence-based estimate including a spotlight count
• Working with your local partner agencies to successfully carry out your snapshot estimate
• Information for volunteers, verifiers and independent partners
• The importance of independent partners
• How the Snapshot Estimate verification process works
• Timelines, step-by-step guidance, and example forms and letters
• What demographic data to collect
• A glossary of terms
• Some common scenarios that may occur during your typical night and suggested resolutions

This year, the deadline for submitting your verified returns to DELTA is Friday 6th December.

Independent Partners

Independent partners are a crucial element of the snapshot estimate process. We have once again partnered with Housing Justice who are supporting connecting local authority leads and count coordinators with independent partners, where needed. If you would like support to recruit independent partners for your snapshot estimate, you will find contact details for Mark Brennan and Isabella Harriss at Housing Justice in the Guide for Local Authorities below.

With thanks

With thanks to Housing Justice who are supporting the annual rough sleeping snapshot estimates again this year.

With thanks also to East Staffordshire Borough Council for sharing their authorisation letter, and to Oxford City Council for sharing their data protection statement and agreement. Note that local authorities are advised to involve their data protection lead in preparation of local documents.

Below you will find seven bitesize videos explaining all elements of the snapshot estimates process, including choosing your approach, carrying out your snapshot estimate, the importance of independent partners, and the verification process.