Homeless Link responds to the CHAIN figures for Q2 2026/27
Homeless Link responds to the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) figures for Q2 2026/27
On 30 October, CHAIN homelessness database published its Q2 report detailing levels of rough sleeping in London between July and September 2026. CHAIN is the UK’s most detailed and comprehensive rough sleeping database. Key findings include:
- 4,678 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital in July to September 2026, a decrease of 1% on July to September 2025, but an increase of 18% on the previous quarter
- 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.
Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link, the national membership body for frontline homelessness services, commented:
“The increase in rough sleeping across London, and particularly of those spending longer on our streets, is a stark reminder of the huge challenge London and the wider country face in turning the Prime Minister’s ambition to end rough sleeping into action."
“The efforts towards achieving this ambition set out in the London Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan, the Government’s Rough Sleeping Programme, and the increased funding announced on Wednesday’s Budget are welcome. But evidently that ambition can’t be realised without ensuring resource and investment reaches the frontline organisations delivering the vital support services needed to help people off the streets.”
“There are reasons to believe further and faster progress is possible. London is fortunate to have numerous dedicated and skilled homelessness charities committed to working collaboratively to end and prevent homelessness.”
But this will only be truly realised if we also put similar investment into preventing people from having to sleep on our streets in the first place. This means truly cross-government accountability and commitment, alongside close collaboration between national government, regional government and the voluntary sector.
“Given the rising levels of rough sleeping seen in today’s figures, we urge national and regional government leaders to step up those collaborative efforts, and do more to support the voluntary, community and faith sector, as we work together to end rough sleeping once and for all.”
