Record Number of Rough Sleepers in England Reported in Autumn 2025

In Brief

Official figures show 4,793 people slept rough in England on one night last autumn, a new record.

Key Facts

• An estimated 4,793 people slept rough in England on a single night in autumn 2025
• This figure represents a 3% increase compared to the previous year
• The 2025 total surpasses the previous peak of 4,751 rough sleepers recorded in 2017
• Households in temporary accommodation in England have also reached record levels
• Charities have stated that official figures may underestimate the true scale of homelessness

What Happened

Official statistics released in 2025 indicate that 4,793 people were sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn, marking a 3% increase from the previous year and exceeding the previous high from 2017. Concurrently, the number of households in temporary accommodation has also reached record levels. Charitable organizations have expressed concerns that these official figures may not fully capture the extent of homelessness.

Why It Matters

The rising number of rough sleepers and households in temporary accommodation highlights ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in England. This trend may signal increased demand for housing support services and policy interventions. Understanding the scale of the issue is critical for government and social organizations to allocate resources effectively and develop strategies to reduce homelessness.