Rough sleeping rates in London reached a peak between April 2024 and March 2025, research reveals.

The annual report by CHAIN homelessness database today revealed that the number of people sleeping rough in London rose by 10% in 2024/2025 compared to the previous year, increasing from 11,993 to 13,231 individuals.

The statistics confirmed that the number of people sleeping rough for the first time increased by 5% in 2024/25, with a total of 8,396 people recorded.

According to the report, there has been a 63% surge in the number of people sleeping rough recorded between 2015/16 and 2024/25.

Rick Henderson, CEO at Homeless Link, the national membership body for frontline homelessness services, has called for a homelessness strategy that prevents people from ‘reaching crisis point’.

‘The Government has committed to protect homelessness spending and established new programmes for homelessness prevention and adults with complex needs in the CSR. The Mayor of London’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action is also welcome, setting out strong proposals for change’, he said.

According to Henderson, investment is required to provide ‘effective supported housing for those who need more than just a house to live in and specialist Housing First interventions for those with multiple and complex needs.’

‘Let’s not forget that without a working health and social care system to provide the support needed to alleviate acute mental health and other needs that can be both the cause and effect of rough sleeping, a homelessness strategy will not succeed’, he added.