According to the latest Government figures, collected in the autumn of 2020 and published in February 2021, 2688 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night. Further information on the data collection methodology can be found here.
There was a decrease of 37% between 2019 and 2020. However, since 2010 the rough sleeping figure has increased by 52%.
In 2020, North East reported an increase in rough sleeping, while eight regions reported a decrease, with the South East experiencing the largest change of -47%.
An analysis of the 2020 rough sleeping snapshot estimates
Please note that the 2020 rough sleeping snapshot estimates were completed during a global pandemic. Therefore, this will need to be considered when comparing the data to previous years and consequently when comparing future years to this data. Specific guidance, including any COVID-19 adjustments, was provided to all local authorities.
On 27 February 2020, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released the 2019 figures for rough sleeping across England. These provide a snapshot of the number of people who slept rough on a single 'typical' night. Our analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest changes compared with previous years.
This analysis provides a regional breakdown of the Goverment's annual rough sleeping figures and identifies the areas that have seen the largest changes compared with previous years.
The CHAIN database, managed by St Mungo’s, captures information about people who sleep rough in London. These figures are updated quarterly.
Explore national rough sleeping counts and estimates data since 2010.
Molly Zakra is a Researcher at Homeless Link
15 May 2021 - 8:38am
12 Apr 2021 - 3:00pm
1 Apr 2021 - 12:00pm
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