A recent report has highlighted a surge in homeless deaths in the UK, with 1,474 lives lost in 2023. The rise in fatalities highlights the urgent need for more affordable housing and support services. As the Labour Government promises action, our Frontline Worker Survey emphasises the need for immediate investment to prevent further loss of life.
UK homeless deaths on the rise
Distressing statistics uncovered by the Museum of Homelessness last week have revealed that deaths linked to homelessness are increasing in the UK, with a 12.2% rise this year. That equates to one death every six hours. With temperatures set to drop in the coming weeks, there are fears that this could get even worse.
The Museum of Homelessness also reported:
- 1,474 people experiencing homelessness lost their lives in the UK last year
- Homeless deaths on the streets rose by 42% this year
- Those experiencing homelessness are three times more likely to be murdered
Watch Kris Jepson’s exclusive report for ITV News here:
Exclusive: 1 homeless person dies every 6 hours in UK, according to new data
Analysis of available data obtained via FOIs, coroners courts, families & media reports and analysed by @our_MoH & shared with @itvnews @itvtynetees suggests:
🔹1,474 homeless people died in UK last… pic.twitter.com/Cznesqvolt
— Kris Jepson (@krisjepson) October 15, 2024
Frontline Workers Survey highlights the challenges faced
The cost-of-living crisis, coupled with the UK’s ongoing housing shortage has forced more people into homelessness in recent years. In 2023-24, a staggering 358,370 households had reached out to their local council for help “after being threatened with homelessness or losing their home”. Of those, the vast majority (324,990) were officially recognised as homeless.
Our 2024 Frontline Worker Survey highlighted the severity of the housing crisis in the UK. 92% of homelessness workers said that they found it difficult or very difficult to obtain ‘suitable’ housing for the people they are supporting. Key concerns raised included:
- Children being moved into temporary accommodation without enough space
- Individuals having to stay with abusive family members due to a lack of alternative housing options
- Finding housing appropriate to those experiencing multiple challenges (such as mental health, substance use and long-term homelessness)
Tackling homelessness must be a priority for the Labour Government
These latest statistics on homeless deaths make it clear that more needs to be done to tackle homelessness in the UK. The Labour Government has pledged to build 1.5 million affordable homes in the next five years and proposed better protection for private renters. But more needs to be done.
The Government must ensure enough funding is available to meet their affordable housing targets. By investing more in the homelessness sector, frontline workers will be better equipped to support those facing homelessness.
Read our assessment of Labour’s First 100 Days in office.
Further reading:
- Homeless deaths hit one every six hours in UK as calls grow for urgent change, ITV News (15/10/24)
- Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2024, Big Issue (03/10/24)
- Homelessness and Housing: Assessing Labour’s First 100 Days, St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity (18/10/24)
- 2024 Frontline Worker Survey, St Martin-in the-Fields Charity