By Islam El-Sakka
Rough sleeping in London has risen sharply in recent months, posing a stark challenge to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to end the practice, according to new data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain).
Rough sleeping figures rise
Chain figures published on Friday show 4,678 people were recorded sleeping rough in the capital between July and September this year. While that represents a 1 per cent decrease on the same period in 2025, it is an 18 per cent increase on the previous quarter. The number of people classed as living on the streets rose to 819, up 8 per cent year-on-year and 20 per cent on the previous quarter. First-time rough sleepers accounted for 46 per cent of the total.
Government funding response
Mr Burnham, who became Prime Minister in July, vowed to give every person sleeping rough an offer of help by Christmas. This week he announced a doubling of government funding, with Chancellor John Healey confirming an additional £432 million in Wednesday’s Budget. The move brings total investment behind the pledge to £874 million, aimed at sustaining the rough sleeping programme until the end of the current Parliament in 2029.
Charity leaders warn of complex needs
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said the increase is a stark reminder of the huge challenge in turning the Prime Minister’s ambition into action. He welcomed funding but stressed that resources must reach frontline organisations. Emma Haddad, chief executive of St Mungo’s, noted that 58 per cent of rough sleepers had mental health support needs, 30 per cent needed alcohol support, and 43 per cent needed drug-related support. She called for tailored support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Crisis chief executive Matt Downie warned that cost-of-living pressures will continue to push more people towards homelessness.
