The Facts…

There are over 300,000 people considered to be homeless in the UK, MicroNest has a movement in place to

Homelessness remains a pressing issue in the UK, with recent data showing alarming trends. In 2022/23, over 10,000 people slept rough in London alone, marking a 21% increase from the previous year [1].

This surge comes despite the government's pledge to end rough sleeping in England by 2024. Nationwide, approximately 280,000 households in England were owed a homeless duty in 2021/22 [2].

The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated the situation, particularly affecting low-income households [2]. Food bank usage has risen dramatically, with nearly three million people receiving emergency food from the Trussell Trust in 2022/23 [2].

Youth homelessness is a significant concern, with 44% of young homeless people not in education, employment, or training [3]. Mental health problems and substance misuse are also prevalent among this group.

To address this crisis, the UK government would need to spend an additional £82 million per year to end rough sleeping in England by 2024 [4]. Urgent action is needed to provide affordable housing, support vulnerable groups, and implement effective prevention strategies to combat this growing humanitarian crisis.

Sources:
[1] Infographic: Rough Sleeping in London is Rising Again

[2] Topic: Statistics and facts on poverty and homelessness in the United Kingdom

[3] Statistic: Support needs of young people approaching local homelessness providers in England (UK) in 2016/17

[4] Infographic: Rough Sleeping Decreased in England After 2017