Laura Sharman 15 December 2020

Deaths of homeless people in England and Wales hits record high

The number of homeless people dying in England and Wales has reached the highest level since records began in 2013, according to official figures.

The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 778 homeless people died in 2019, an increase of 7.2% from the previous year.

Almost two in five deaths were related to drug poisoning, while suicide among homeless people increased by more than 30% in the past year.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warned that many of these deaths could have been prevented and called for more funding for public health services.

Cllr David Renard, LGA’s housing spokesperson, said: ‘It is good the Government recognised the need to fund homelessness services in the Spending Review. However in the longer-term, it is vital that there is a renewed focus on investing in homelessness prevention services, alongside giving councils the powers to build the social housing the country needs and ensuring that the local safety net is adequately resourced.

’The fact that over a third of deaths were related to drug poisoning deepens our concern about no new public health funding announced in the recent Spending Review for next year. This is a false economy that will only compound pressures on acute services.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner