London rough sleeping rises from previous quarter as Burnham pledges support

Politics · First reported 30 Oct, 13:55 · Updated 14:07

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland. · Public domain

Chain data recorded 4,678 people sleeping rough in London from July to September, 18% more than the previous quarter but 1% fewer than in the same period of 2025. The figures come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges help for people sleeping rough and the Government increases funding. (70e446d2-318f-4e08-9738-c566b94fa368; 38d25e9b-5975-493d-9826-aedfb69e7fa2)

Chain recorded 4,678 people sleeping rough in London from July to September: 18% more than the previous quarter and 1% fewer than the same period of 2025.
Of the total, 819 people were classed as living on the streets, up 20% on the previous quarter; first-time rough sleepers made up 46%.
The Government says its £874 million investment is intended to support its rough-sleeping programme through 2029; campaigners say services need resources and tailored support.

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Key facts

London rough sleepers, July–September: 4,678 recorded
Change from previous quarter: Up 18%
Classed as living on the streets: 819; up 20% from the previous quarter
First-time rough sleepers: 46% of the total
Government investment behind pledge: £874 million, with the programme intended to continue to 2029