The number of people living on London’s streets has increased by 26% this spring compared to the same period last year, according to the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN).
Outreach teams identified 788 people living on the streets – defined as having multiple contacts with outreach teams over three weeks or more – between April and June 2025, which is also more than double the number recorded a decade ago.
In total, 4,392 people were found sleeping rough in London during the period, an increase of 4% on last year and 58% on compared to 10 years ago.
Homeless charity Crisis chief executive Matt Downey, said: “It’s shameful that the number of people who are destitute and forced to live on the streets continues to rise.
“Having to sleep rough is dangerous, dehumanising and damaging to people’s mental and physical health.”
London Councils warned in April that the homelessness emergency has become the single biggest risk to boroughs’ finances as boroughs had to overspend on their initial budget plans for 2024-25 by at least £330million.
This comes as the gap between the temporary accommodation costs and government subsidies has increased by 45% from 2023-24.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan announced a plan in May to end rough sleeping by 2030.
A record £10million funding has been invested this year in creating a new Ending Homelessness Hub and expanding the Homes off the Streets programme, which provides long-term social housing.
The following month, the government also pledged £100million for homelessness prevention and £39billion to build social and affordable housing.
A Mayor of London spokesperson said: “The Mayor will continue to take the lead in tackling rough sleeping – working closely with the government, London Councils and the homelessness sector to build a safer, fairer London for everyone.”
Downey believes these are positive steps, but called for the quick delivery of affordable housing and a reversal of the cut in housing benefit.
He said: “Westminster must also reverse the cut to housing benefit, which is putting people at risk of losing their homes now.
“Homelessness should not exist in our society.
“It can and must be prevented as a matter of national priority.”
Feature image: Free to use from Unsplash
