Landmark study shows nearly 300,000 families and individuals in England are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness with many staying in temporary accommodation.
A new report from Crisis reveals that nearly 299,100 households in England faced the most acute forms of homelessness in 2024 — including rough sleeping, staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as nightly paid B&Bs or hostels and living in unconventional spaces like tents or squats.
The figure, revealed today by the homelessness charity, marks a 21% increase since 2022 and a 45% rise since 2012.
Local authorities report that 70% have seen growing numbers of homelessness related approaches in the past year, with councils spending £732m on the worst quality emergency accommodation in 2023 24 and £2.7bn on temporary accommodation in 2024 25.
Crisis is urging the UK Government to deliver its promised national homelessness strategy without delay, focusing on building social housing, restoring housing benefit, and closing support service gaps — all areas cited as key by councils.
Autumn Budget Insights: Saving supported housing
