William Eichler 31 March 2022

Homeless deaths increase 80% in two years

Homeless deaths increase 80% in two years image
Image: Srdjan Randjelovic/Shutterstock.com.

The number of people dying while homeless has increased by 80% in two years, shocking new research reveals.

New research by Museum of Homelessness has recorded 1286 homeless deaths across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2021.

This was a 32% increase on the numbers reported in the organisation’s 2020 study – and a staggering 80% increase over the number published in 2019.

These statistics, drawn from over 300 freedom of information requests, include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation and other insecure settings.

Cofounder of Museum of Homelessness Jess Turtle said: ‘These findings are a hammer blow. It’s heart-breaking to see so many people dying and to feel so helpless in the face of such a serious emergency. Government neglect means things keep getting worse with new provision for mental health, addiction and social housing failing to make up for previous cuts.

‘If the Government took this situation seriously, it wouldn’t have slashed the budget for discretionary housing payments by over a third last month – making it harder for councils to offer the people the breathing space they need to avoid homelessness.

‘Reversing this £40m cut and ending the freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates should be immediate priorities so that people have a fighting chance of meeting the spike in private rents.

‘Ultimately, the Government can’t fix what it doesn’t understand. There needs to be a confidential enquiry into the deaths of homeless people to allow an honest appraisal of what’s happening to the UK’s most vulnerable people. There should also be mandatory fatality reviews for all local authorities – so lessons can be learned from each death.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner