research on homelessness in the uk

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• Housing, local and community
• Housing and communities
• Homelessness and rough sleeping

Homelessness statistics

This collection includes the latest statistics and management information on homelessness and rough sleeping in England.

The collection includes:

Statutory homelessness statistics , which provide quarterly information about those who local authorities have a duty to accommodate as they are homeless through no fault of their own, eligible for assistance, and have a ‘priority need’. This primarily includes those with children or a vulnerability, including disability or mental ill-health. It also includes information about new statutory duties created by the  Homelessness Reduction Act to try and prevent and relieve homelessness for single people, regardless of priority need, or intentional homelessness.

Rough sleeping snapshot statistics , about people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn each year. These statistics provide a way of estimating the number of people sleeping rough across England on a single night and assessing change over time.

The new Ending Rough Sleeping Data Framework , which provides quarterly management information about five core indicators, that underpin the four aims of the vision for ending rough sleeping, which is that it is prevented wherever possible, and where it does occur it is rare, brief, and non-recurring. This replaces the previous rough sleeping management information about the support for people sleeping rough.

For more information about:

Homelessness statistics, contact  [email protected]

Rough sleeping statistics and management information, contact  [email protected]

Statutory homelessness

• 30 April 2024
• National statistics
• 30 November 2023
• 6 November 2023
• 25 July 2023
• Official Statistics
• 10 May 2023
• 28 February 2023
• 24 November 2022
• 22 September 2022
• 28 July 2022
• 28 April 2022
• 27 January 2022
• 28 October 2021
• 9 September 2021
• 22 July 2021
• 22 April 2021
• 28 January 2021
• 29 October 2020
• 20 August 2020
• 21 May 2020
• 19 March 2020
• 18 December 2019
• 12 September 2019
• 24 May 2019
• 13 December 2018
• 27 June 2018
• 22 March 2018
• 14 December 2017
• 28 September 2017
• 22 June 2017
• 23 March 2017
• 15 December 2016
• 28 September 2016
• 30 June 2016
• 23 March 2016
• 17 December 2015
• 24 September 2015
• 24 June 2015
• 26 March 2015
• 11 December 2014
• 25 September 2014
• 31 July 2014
• 9 July 2015
• 24 July 2014
• 15 August 2013
• 16 August 2012
• 18 August 2011
• 26 August 2010
• 16 August 2013

Rough sleeping

• 29 February 2024
• Research and analysis
• 29 June 2023
• 3 September 2022
• 31 March 2022
• 25 February 2021
• 27 February 2020
• 26 February 2019
• 16 February 2018
• 25 January 2017
• 25 February 2016
• 26 February 2015
• 25 February 2014
• 6 February 2013
• 23 February 2012
• 17 February 2011
• 23 July 2010
• 7 September 2016

Data tables

• Statistical data set
• 4 June 2013

Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2023 added to Homelessness Statistics

Added Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England, Autumn 2023. Added Ending Rough Sleeping Data Framework, December 2023. Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2023.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2023. Added Ending Rough Sleeping Data Framework, September 2023.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: financial year 2022-23. Added Support for people sleeping rough in England, June 2023.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2023.

Added Support for people sleeping rough in England, March 2023.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2022.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2022. Added Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2022. Added Support for people sleeping rough in England, December 2022.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2022. Added Support for people sleeping rough in England, September 2022.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: financial year 2021-22.

Added management information: Support for people sleeping rough in England, March 2022.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2022.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2021.

Added link to Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2021.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2021.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2021.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: financial year 2020-21.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2021.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2020.

Added Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2020.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2020.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2020.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: financial year 2019-20.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2020.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2019.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2019.

Added Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2019.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2019.

Deadline for the online consultation survey has been extended from 31 October to 22 November 2019.

Added text on statutory homelessness statistics online consultation survey.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2019.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2018 and October to December 2018.

Added Rough sleeping in England: autumn 2018

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2018.

Added Homelessness prevention and relief: England 2014 to 2015, also related homelessness prevention and relief live tables have been updated.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2014.

Added Rough sleeping in England: autumn 2014.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2014.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2014.

Added Homelessness prevention and relief: England 2013 to 2014.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: January to March 2014.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: October to December 2013

Added Rough sleeping in England: autumn 2013.

Added Statutory homelessness in England: July to September 2013

First published.

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Soaring number of households facing homelessness in England

Published: 23 Aug 2023

New research led by Heriot-Watt University for charity Crisis  has revealed that nearly a quarter of a million households across England (242,000) are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes sleeping on the streets, spending night after night on sofas or being stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation like nightly paid B&Bs.

The annual study is the strongest evidence yet of how the cost-of-living crisis, rising rents and widespread destitution are driving homelessness levels and making it harder for councils to provide people with effective support.  

The findings, which draw on a national survey of councils, statistical analysis and in-depth interviews, shows how over three quarters (85%) of councils across England are facing an increase in people experiencing homelessness – the highest number reporting this in any year since the survey began.

With record numbers of people experiencing homelessness, the vast majority of councils are expecting this already dire situation to become even worse. Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Heriot-Watt University

Many stated that the ongoing freeze to housing benefit, dwindling social housing supply and a general lack of affordable housing was making it increasingly difficult to support struggling households out of homelessness.

The report also lays bare how unstable the private rented market has become. 88% of councils reported an increase in requests for support from those evicted from the private rented sector while 93% anticipate a further increase over the coming year.

As councils' access to social housing has declined over the years, local authorities are increasingly turning to the private rented sector to try and house low-income households. But the report highlights how surging rents and fierce competition for properties is making it near impossible to house people experiencing homelessness in some areas of the country, with the overwhelming majority (97%) of local authorities stating they have struggled to source private rentals over the past year.4

With councils running out of suitable longer-term housing options, they are increasingly reliant on temporary accommodation – with the number of households living in such accommodation now at record levels . Concerningly, the report highlights how the use of temporary accommodation is reaching breaking point. This forces councils to rely on inappropriate forms of accommodation as a solution, meaning thousands of people - including families with children - live for long periods of time in B&Bs or nightly paid accommodation. Often in poor condition and without necessities like cooking and washing facilities, it is estimated that the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation has tripled over the past ten years.

Worryingly, the research forecasts that the number of households living in unsuitable temporary accommodation is expected to almost double over the next twenty years if the Westminster Government doesn’t take action to address the challenges councils are facing, affecting an estimated 49,500 households by 2041.  

Crisis is issuing a stark warning to the Government that unless it takes steps to build more genuinely affordable homes and invests in housing benefit, then homelessness will dramatically rise over the coming year.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: "The homelessness system is at breaking point. Temporary accommodation should be a short-term emergency measure yet, as the report shows, it is increasingly becoming the default solution for many councils. This is leaving thousands of people living out their lives in a permanent state of limbo, enduring cramped, unsuitable conditions – with a fifth of households in temporary accommodation stuck there for over five years.5  

“It comes as no surprise that councils are reporting that they are running out of temporary accommodation. For too long the emphasis has been on managing homelessness, not building the social homes we need to provide security to low-income households.

“The alarm bells are ringing loud and clear. The Government must address the chronic lack of social housing and increase housing benefit, so it covers the true cost of rents. We cannot allow this situation to escalate further and consign more lives to the misery of homelessness.”

Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, from Heriot-Watt University , said: "This report highlights how councils across the country are facing an impossible situation. With record numbers of people experiencing homelessness, the vast majority of councils are expecting this already dire situation to become even worse.

“Without access to affordable private rented homes or social housing, we are only going to see more and more households forced into homelessness. We need to address the root causes that are pushing people into homelessness in the first place to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2023 was commissioned by Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt University, as part of the Homelessness Monitor series. It provides an independent analysis of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments across England.

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Article Contents

Introduction, disclaimers, acknowledgements, conflicts of interest.

• < Previous

Homeless people and health: a qualitative enquiry into their practices and perceptions

• Article contents
• Figures & tables
• Supplementary Data

Dave Mc Conalogue, Nicky Maunder, Angelika Areington, Katherine Martin, Vikki Clarke, Sarah Scott, Homeless people and health: a qualitative enquiry into their practices and perceptions, Journal of Public Health , Volume 43, Issue 2, June 2021, Pages 287–294, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdz104

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Homeless people experience poorer health and shorter life expectancies than the UK average, but their health needs and expectations have received little attention in research. This study aims to understand homeless people’s health perceptions and experiences.

Semi-structured interviews took place with 28 homeless people in Gloucestershire. The transcripts were thematically analysed drawing out key themes.

Homelessness was often rooted in early trauma or an unstable family unit. Participants described poor support on leaving prison, termination of a cohabiting relationship or financial issues as factors precipitating homelessness. There was an expansive and positive understanding of health and its determinants. Mental health issues were common, often linked to traumatic life-events. Substance misuse issues were expressed as a mechanism to manage mental health issues. Participants were frustrated that this co-dependency was not recognized by support services. Participants’ living situation curtailed their ability to make health-enhancing choices, which was compounded by issues accessing mainstream healthcare services.

Mental health in homeless people must be recognized in the context of substance misuse and early trauma. Dealing with housing and addiction are critical to enable prioritisation of healthy behaviours. Healthcare services should recognize the chaotic nature of homeless people and their competing issues.

The number of homeless people in England is increasing. In 2018, there is estimated to be approximately 4700 rough sleepers in England; 3000 more than in 2010. 1 Similarly, the number of families living in temporary accommodation has grown by 68% between 2010 and 2017. 2 However, because of the nature of homelessness and the way in which it is monitored, much of homelessness remains hidden; the true extent of the issue is believed to be far reaching and growing. 3 Homelessness in the developed world is a particular issue because it is considered largely preventable and due to underperforming or under-funded support systems rather than a lack of resources. 4

Homeless people live substantially shorter lives, spend a much greater proportion of their life in poorer health, 5 and have higher health and social care needs than the general population. 2 In the UK, the life expectancy of a homeless person is 47 years, compared to 77 years for the general population. 6 This difference in outcomes is related to higher rates of exposure to risk factors including alcohol, smoking, substance misuse and poor mental health. 5 While some health issues are a reflection of a homeless person’s living conditions, they can also be a factor in becoming and remaining homeless. 7 Understanding the health issues and experiences of homeless people is critical to help deal with these issues in the short and longer terms, and to ultimately support them into a stable housing situation.

The relationship between homelessness and health is under-researched, particularly in terms of qualitative research, with the majority of studies originating in the USA or Canada. Understanding the experiences, practices and perceptions of homeless people in managing their health is essential to inform effective interventions to improve health outcomes. This study aims to explore homeless people’s experiences and perceptions of health and health services to inform policy, commissioning and service provision to deliver better health outcomes for this group. The study was carried out in Gloucestershire (County in South West England). The county has two large urban centres (Gloucester and Cheltenham) with a large rural geography. This was chosen as the study sight due to the access of the researchers to the homeless population. It was also felt homeless issues in Gloucestershire will offer insights for other counties with a similar geography and population.

Participant recruitment

A convenience sampling approach was applied in recruitment of homeless participants present in Gloucestershire between January and March 2018. Homelessness was defined as any person who stays at or engages in rough sleeping, staying at hostels, bed and breakfast and other temporary accommodation, squats, derelict buildings, barns and other buildings not used for accommodation, ‘doubling up’ or ‘sofa surfing’, and ‘survival sex’ as a means of securing accommodation. Participants were recruited through non-health organisations providing services to homeless people in two urban locations within Gloucestershire. Participants provided written or recorded verbal consent.

Data collection

Twenty six semi-structured interviews were completed in private offices by interviewers. Twenty four interviews were with an individual and two with homeless couples. The interviews were digitally recorded where consent was given. Where consent to record was not given (one interview), detailed notes were taken.

The interviews were directed by a topic guide, which was structured around research objectives. The format of the interviews ensured key areas was examined, whilst allowing the flexibility to explore relevant themes arising through dialogue. Subject areas covered during the interviews included reasons for homelessness, understanding of ‘being healthy’, experiences and practices managing health, relationship between living environment and health and experiences and perceptions of healthcare services.

Data analysis

An interpretivist approach guided the study design and data analysis. Digital recordings were transcribed, and thematically analysed. The thematic analysis applied the Braun and Clarke 8 approach to thematic analysis: familiarisation with data, generation of codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes and defining and naming themes. All transcripts and subsequent data analysis was anonymized, and participant names replaced with pseudonyms.

The research proposal for this study was presented to the Gloucestershire County Council Research Governance Committee. The committee is supported by the Gloucestershire NHS Research Support Unit. The Committee reviewed the proposal and concluded that the primary purpose of the research was to inform service and system development in Gloucestershire to support homeless people. The committee also judged that participation would not induce undue psychological stress or anxiety. On this basis, the committee concluded that the research did not require formal ethics approval.

Twenty eight homeless people were interviewed. The majority of participants were living in supported housing (54%) or rough sleeping (39%). The remainder defined themselves as sofa surfers or living in bed and breakfast accommodation. Twenty nine percentages of the participants were female. However, only 18% of those identifying themselves as rough sleepers were female. Seventy one percentages were of White British ethnicity. Interviews ranged between 20 and 50 minutes.

Becoming homeless

Participants described longer term causes of homelessness as stemming from the breakdown of a family unit when they were young, or where the family situation was chaotic. The instability normally involved one or both parents leaving the family home or bereavement of a significant family member or carer. Participants often described physical and emotional abuse within the family when describing their family situation. Participants related these traumas during their childhood to their subsequent misuse of drugs and/or alcohol. They recognized the relationship between the trauma, use of substances to manage the psychological impact and their subsequent loss of accommodation. Moreover, they appreciated their inability to deal with the early childhood trauma and drug/alcohol abuse affected their ability to manage their life and come out of homelessness.

Following release from prison, participants often attributed the most recent cause of homeless to a lack of support (resources or support networks), which left them without the ability to secure accommodation. Others described the breakdown of a relationship resulting in the loss of accommodation, and financial management issues which led to eviction from their accommodation. These issues whilst attributed by homeless people as the contributing factor to their most recent episode of homelessness are exacerbated low social capital and few alterative resources to call on. Additionally, having to manage substance misuse and/or mental health issues often left the individual unable to cope with the administration side of finding and sustaining accommodation.

Becoming homeless quotes.

Perceptions and understanding of health

Many participants descriptions of health including having control over their life and being able to determine their future. Being healthy was also described as not using drugs or alcohol, being able to manage mental health conditions, having social networks, having access to showering facilities and clean clothes and being able to sleep without disturbance. Participants understanding of health and ‘being healthy’ was complex and diverse, and extended well beyond a disease based paradigm. Commonly, their descriptions focused on control over their environment or future.

Although participants felt health was important, there were other issues which they prioritized above this; mainly achieving stable housing. Participants living in supported housing were keen to move into private rental accommodation, where they perceived they would have greater control over their lives and be able to gain more stability. Other priorities for homeless people focused on managing mental health issues and achieving control over addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Participants felt that gaining control over these issues would then permit them to concentrate on achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Health issues for homeless people

Most participants reported a mental health or a physical health issue, often both. Mental health issues were most commonly reported: depression, anxiety, personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants understood the role substance misuse played in their mental health; however, they also described the role of drugs and alcohol in providing immediate short-term relief. Drugs and alcohol were used to block out memories or to help deal with traumatic experiences from their childhood, normally involving abuse or bereavement. Participants described episodes of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, which they related to their mental health issues and traumatic childhood events; some described attempting suicide on one or more occasions. Dividing issues between social and health categories was not useful or possible for many of the participants. Childhood trauma, mental health, substance misuse and homeless were not separate issues; they formed part of the complexity of their life and needed to be dealt with together.

Physical health issues were relatively common including Hepatitis C, physical disabilities, diabetes, pancreatitis, ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, asthma, deep vein thrombosis and migraines. These were rarely treated as priorities as more focus was placed on their mental health, housing and substance misuse.

Understanding and managing health quotes.

Managing health

Participants had knowledge of proactive actions they could undertake to maintain their health. They understood what a balanced diet was and its benefit to their health. While rough sleepers had access to enough food, they had limited control over their diets and took what they were offered. This commonly meant they had limited access to fruit and vegetables unless they supplemented it with additional food purchases.

Conversely, those in supported housing have access to catering facilities, giving them more control over their diet. Although, some reported less access to the quantity of food previously available when rough sleeping. This appeared to be dependent on the proximity to services providing free meals. Participants in supported housing rarely reported a high level of fruit and vegetable intake. In both forms of homelessness, there appeared to be an issue over control and access.

When describing physical activity, participants normally talked about accessing a gym. Although none had access to a gym, many had aspirations to join one in the future. Most participants, particularly rough sleepers, described walking considerable distances during the day but very few viewed it as exercise. Again, exercise as an activity to manage health was seen as an aspirational activity, which would be addressed when more immediate base needs were fulfilled.

Many participants were regular tobacco smokers and recognized the impact on their health, but reducing or quitting smoking was a very low priority. Most were not interested in accessing support to stop or reduce tobacco use. If cessation attempts were important to the participant, they would be addressed after their other priorities were resolved.

Social networks and health

Many of the participants perceived dangers from socialising with their peers, usually where the participant was managing a substance misuse issue and did not want to interact with current users. The availability of substances and seeing others using could lead to them partaking. This often resulted in excluding themselves from socialising with other homeless people. Particularly among rough sleepers, there was a perception of having to manage relationships to avoid becoming a ‘victim’. Trust levels appeared to be low with a perception that peers might take advantage for material gain. Participants did not tend to rely on their peers for social and emotional support; few described close relationships with other homeless people. This was a difficult situation for many, as they understood the importance of social networks for their wellbeing, but also realized the implications of integrating with their peers.

Some participants described a reluctance to engage with family members due to their current situation, normally described as not wishing to make the participant’s issues a problem for their family. However, there were several instances where participants were maintaining family relationships, and finding these a source of support. For many, reconnecting with their family was a motivating factor to address their substance misuse issues and to find stable accommodation.

Social networks and the impact of the living situation quotes.

Accessing health services quotes.

The relationship between health and living environment

Whilst rough sleepers acknowledged the discomfort associated with sleeping in wet, cold and windy conditions, they did not tend to relate this to their health. For many, the living environment was a housing issue, not a health one. They viewed their living environment as removing control over health attaining activities. They were precluded from accessing the resources they might have in a more stable situation.

In supported housing, there were positive experiences; with improvements in sleep and feelings of security, particularly for participants moving from rough sleeping or chaotic living situations. Negative impacts related to stressors in the living environment; usually noise and disturbances from other residents. This was felt to affect feelings of security, contributing to levels of anxiety and depression, as well as impacting on the sleep of some. Those within supported housing were focused on moving into private accommodation. This was felt by many as a key step out of homelessness, and away from the social networks and risk taking behaviours they perceived precipitated their homelessness.

Primary and secondary healthcare services

The dedicated NHS Homeless Healthcare Team, which provides primary care services to the homeless, was perceived very positively by participants. The key benefit was accessibility; it was based in a location that they frequented for other services, with relatively little waiting time. Participants reported being reminded about appointments and medication.

Rough sleepers felt it was difficult to access mainstream primary care services as they did not have a permanent address. Several described experiences where they were asked to provide proof of address before they could register at a GP Practice.

Whilst some participants expressed satisfaction with mainstream NHS services, several felt that they were being ‘judged’ or ‘looked down on’ by staff on account of their living circumstances or substance misuse problems. One participant acknowledged this perception may be a reflection of their own psychological state at the time of accessing the service.

Experiences of mental health (and substance misuse) services

Accessing mental health support was a priority for a large proportion of those interviewed. While participants understood mental health and substance misuse as part of the same problem, they felt that health services viewed them as independent issues. Participants felt they were required to be ‘clean’ before they could access mental health support which left them, at least temporarily, with potentially no resources to manage their condition. Some frustration was expressed regarding the waiting times to access mental health services, or where they believed there was no mental health support available or offered. Similarly, some referenced a wait time to access substance misuse support services, or that the treatment protocol did not match the treatment they had been on previously.

Main finding of this study

This study provides a new insight into how homeless people understand, manage and prioritize health. Homeless people understand early trauma, family instability, mental health, substance misuse and homelessness as co-dependent variables, which have to be addressed together. They expressed frustration with supporting services, which compartmentalized these elements. Homeless people had an expansive positive understanding of health and the actions they could take to support their health, although rarely experienced control over these factors. Homeless people understand the importance of social networks, but also experience peer socialising as risky and often isolate as a protective measure. Homeless people report difficulties accessing mainstream primary care services. Some homeless people also perceive being ‘looked down on’ by healthcare staff.

What is already known on this topic

The relationship between homelessness and early trauma is examined in the wider literature, which highlights an association between homelessness and presence of abuse. The evidence regarding Adverse childhood Experiences also supports this association 9 and further highlights the potential benefit of routine inquiry across the life course as a means of breaking the cycle of adversity. 10 Moreover, the cumulative impact of adverse incidents on a person’s personal resilience, coupled with a weak or absent social support network may result in higher propensity to become homeless. 11 , 12 Research has also demonstrated a complex relationship between substance misuse and homelessness. 13 This study describes a much more complex interaction of co-dependent variables, which should not be considered in isolation.

Other studies use the concept of intersectionality as a framework for understanding homelessness. 14 , 15 This highlights the interconnectedness of social categories which define the issue of homelessness. Our study also highlighted specific traits which appear to be related to, or possibly a determinant of, homelessness. Looking at homelessness through the lens of intersectionality helps to expose homelessness as a complex set of determining factors, which is reflected in a diverse population who cannot easily be considered as a homogenous group. Our study did not explicitly consider the exploration of intersectionality in its design or analysis, but future studies would be greatly enhanced by doing so. Healthy behaviours were prioritized below issues such as housing by participants. This is supported in the wider literature which suggests that base level needs, such as housing and security must be addressed before the adoption of healthy behaviours. 16 , 17 , 18 Rae and Rees 18 also note that while health issues are recognized, they are often not prioritized. Our study additionally goes some way to describing why particularly physical health is not prioritized because of competing mental health and substance misuse issues.

There was low trust in homeless social circles and peer groups were not experienced as a source of support. The absence of robust social networks is a key precipitating factor in becoming homeless and a strong determinant of health outcomes. 11 , 12 , 19 , 20 The lack of trust between homeless people suggests that building social capital may have to be facilitated by professionals, 21 until they can form new networks outside of their homeless peer group. Other studies have also linked the promotion of positive social networks as being helpful to deliver ‘recovery capital’, which may ultimately help to address issues of addition, 22 which have a close relationship with homelessness.

Mainstream primary care services were perceived to have substantial barriers to access, such as requiring a permanent address. This is a recurring theme in the wider literature, which may be a real barrier to access in some circumstances and a perceived barrier in others. 18 While dedicated services are more effective in engaging homeless people, they may also be an important element in the ‘citizenship’ of homelessness. 23 The perception of being stigmatized and judged by mainstream health services because of their personal situation is a common experience and barrier to access for homeless people. 17 , 24 , 18

The interdependence mental health and substance misuse issues was a strong theme throughout the study. There was frustration with the perceived independence of substance misuse and mental health services. This is an issue that has been recognized in research and policy. 25 , 26 Dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse) is prevalent and must be dealt with as part of a common integrated approach that does not attempt to silo these co-dependent variables. 26 , 25

What this study adds

This study points to the requirement to deal with base level needs before healthy behaviours can be successfully adopted. This research also calls for an integrated approach to the understanding of and response to early trauma, family stability, mental health, substance misuse and homelessness. While the interventions to address the health issues for homeless people are important, the policy approach must be to work to eliminate the issue of homelessness and the stark health inequality that this represents. This can only be addressed by tackling the determinants of homelessness, which are often rooted in childhood experiences. This will mean early identification of risk factors related to adverse childhood experiences, and the timely deployment of support to manage this before the implications are realized.

Limitations of this study

Participants were recruited through non-healthcare services for homeless people. Only those who were accessing support services were ‘heard’ in the data. This may mean that the least engaged homeless people are omitted. Additionally, a self-selecting cohort of participants may not reflect the wider population of homeless people. All of the interviews were carried out in two urban centres. The experiences of homeless people living in these areas may differ to those who are homeless in more rural parts where services are limited.

With thanks to the Gloucestershire County Council team who supported interviews and transcriptions; B. Bhula, J. Cheminais, H. Ellis, N. Hargrave and D. Lane. A special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Gloucester City Mission, Elim Housing, P3 and Cheltenham Open Door who facilitated access to participants. We would also like to thank those who gave up their time to participate in the study.

Dave Mc Conalogue , Consultant in Public Health

Nicky Maunder , Commissioning Officer

Angelika Areington , Commissioning Officer

Katherine Martin , Data and Analysis Manager

Vikki Clarke , Commissioning Officer

Sarah Scott , Director of Public Health

This study was not funded.

None declared.

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Kaljee L , Chen X . Social capital and risk and protective behaviors: a global health perspective . Adolesc Health Med Ther 2011 ; 2 : 113 – 22 .

Eriksson M . Social capital and health – Implications for health promotion . Global Health Action 2011 ; 4 ( 1 ):5611.

Joly L , Cornes M , Manthorpe J . Supporting The Social Networks of Homeless People, Housing, Care and Support . London , 2014 ; 17 ( 4 ):198–207.

Neale J , Stevenson C . Social and recovery capital amongst homeless hostel residents who use drugs and alcohol . Int J Drug Policy 2014 ; 26 ( 5 ): 475 – 83 .

Mills E , Burton C , Matheson C . Engaging the citizenship of the homeless—A qualitative study of specialist primary care providers . Family Practice 2015 ; 32 ( 4 ): 462 – 7 .

Bhui K , Shanahan L . Homelessness and mental illness: A literature review and a qualitative study of perceptions of the adequacy of care . Int J Soc Psychiat 2006 ; 52 ( 2 ): 152 – 65 .

Public Health England . Better Care for People with Co-Occurring Mental Health and Alcohol/Drug Use Conditions . London : PHE , 2017 .

Crome I , Chambers P , Frisher M et al.  SCIE Research Briefing 30: The Relationship Between Dual Diagnosis: Substance Misuse and Dealing with Mental Health Issues . London : SCIE , 2009 .

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Homeless Link are an important source of research on homelessness. Through our research team and our consultancy service we carry out research and evaluation to inform policy and practice and help end homelessness. Our research looks at data and trends in homelessness, the causes and different experiences of homelessness, and different solutions to ending homelessness

Current research

Annual review of single homelessness support.

This report reviews the provision of services for people facing homelessness across England

Health Needs Audit

A toolkit and data around the health needs of people who are homeless in specific areas.

Young and Homeless

This series of research reports looks at the specific challenges facing younger people facing homelessness

Housing First

Homeless Link produces regular research around Housing First

Research Consultancy

Our team and their expertise are also available for commissions to support you research

Meet the research team

Sophie Boobis

Head of Policy and Research

Debra Hertzberg

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Senior Research Manager

Sakinah Abdul Aziz

Selected research reports, 2021 annual review of support for single homeless people in england.

The Annual Review of Support for Single Homeless People in England is an independent yearly assessment of the demographics, needs, and availability of services for single people accessing homelessness services in England.

Unhealthy State of Homelessness 2022: Findings from the Homeless Health Needs Audit

The Unhealthy State of Homelessness 2022 presents findings from 31 Homeless Health Needs Audits (HHNAs), representing 2,776 individuals

Homelessness Provision for the Future

Two major research reports from September 2021 looking at the state of the homelessness sector and best practice as we emerge from the pandemic. Working Together: the homelessness sector’s path beyond COVID looks at the lessons of pandemic and Homelessness Provision for the Future looks to the future.

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Homelessness prevention in the UK: Policy briefing

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Research output : Book/Report › Commissioned report

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• https://housingevidence.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Homelessness-Prevention-in-the-UK-Policy-Brief-July-2019-final.pdf

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T1 - Homelessness prevention in the UK

T2 - Policy briefing

AU - Fitzpatrick, Suzanne

AU - Mackie, Peter

AU - Wood, Jenny

PY - 2019/7

Y1 - 2019/7

N2 - There has been marked innovation and policy mobilityon homelessness prevention since devolution. Using a five category prevention typology (Universal, Targeted, Crisis, Emergency, Recovery) reveals how early developments in Scotland focused on Emergency Prevention - ensuring that all homeless people have an enforceable right to temporary accommodation. However, most effort has recently been expended on Crisis Prevention, whereby people at risk of homelessness within 56 days are assisted to remain or secure alternative accommodation. Legislative developments in Crisis Prevention in Wales and England have proved effective, albeit there is sometimes a gap between intentions of the law and current practice. Progress on Targeted Prevention with high-risk groups, such as those leaving prison, has been slower to develop across the UK. General homelessness risks have increased as a result of welfare reform and housing market pressures, undermining Universal Prevention. Single people sleeping rough or at risk often remain poorly protected, but there are promising policy initiatives underway, especially on Recovery Prevention.

AB - There has been marked innovation and policy mobilityon homelessness prevention since devolution. Using a five category prevention typology (Universal, Targeted, Crisis, Emergency, Recovery) reveals how early developments in Scotland focused on Emergency Prevention - ensuring that all homeless people have an enforceable right to temporary accommodation. However, most effort has recently been expended on Crisis Prevention, whereby people at risk of homelessness within 56 days are assisted to remain or secure alternative accommodation. Legislative developments in Crisis Prevention in Wales and England have proved effective, albeit there is sometimes a gap between intentions of the law and current practice. Progress on Targeted Prevention with high-risk groups, such as those leaving prison, has been slower to develop across the UK. General homelessness risks have increased as a result of welfare reform and housing market pressures, undermining Universal Prevention. Single people sleeping rough or at risk often remain poorly protected, but there are promising policy initiatives underway, especially on Recovery Prevention.

M3 - Commissioned report

BT - Homelessness prevention in the UK

PB - UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence

Crisis is a leading source for knowledge on homelessness in the UK. Here you will find research about homelessness trends, the causes of homelessness and its impacts. Our research is categorised by topic. You can also browse or search below.

• Homelessness Monitor

The Homelessness Monitor is a longitudinal study, commissioned by Crisis, providing an independent analysis of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments in the UK.

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Research into how the welfare system impacts on homelessness

• Services and interventions

Analysis looking at the effectiveness of homeless services from Crisis and others.

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Research into the impact homelessness has on physical and mental health

• Housing models and access

Evidence on the different types of housing available in the UK and barriers to accessing them

International plans to end homelessness

Research from overseas on ending homelessness.

• Cost of homelessness

Research into the personal and societal costs of homelessness and the impact on services

• Types of homelessness

Research into categories and definitions of homelessness

Search or browse all of our research

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• Ending homelessness
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The Berkeley Foundation funded Crisis Skylight Brent to develop place-based work with the intention of increasing opportunities to end homelessness in Brent and to add to Crisis’ learning about how ending homelessness can be delivered locally.

The Homelessness Monitor: Scotland 2024

This fifth Scotland-focused Monitor report provides a state-of-the-nation look at homelessness in Scotland, and focuses in particular on ongoing implementation of the Scottish Government’s Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan, as well as the homelessness impacts of the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

‘‘I always kept one eye open": The experiences and impacts of sleeping rough

Rough sleeping, the most visible form of homelessness, is increasing and shockingly more and more...

Locked Out: Local Housing Allowance & affordability in the private rented sector in Scotland

In partnership with Zoopla, this briefing presents analysis on the proportion of properties in Sc...

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2023

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2023 was commissioned by Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt Universi...

Home is the Foundation: perspectives on prevention from people with experience of homelessness

This report is based on focus groups with people with experience of homelessness in six areas across Scotland. It explores their experiences of housing crisis and what was (or was not) done to prevent them from becoming homeless.

Healthcare inequality report

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Healthcare inequality for people experiencing homelessness during and transitioning from prison

A tale of two crises: housing and the cost of living

Summarising research and analysis from across the homelessness sector, this report outlines the i...

#HealthNow peer research report ‘Knowing where to turn’: access to mental health support whilst experiencing homelessness

Accessing mental health support while experiencing homelessness is challenging and complex. This...

I don’t know what the winter’s going to bring: experiences of homelessness during a cost of living crisis

As the cost of living soared in Britain in 2022, Crisis wanted to assess what impact this was hav...

The Homelessness Monitor: Great Britain 2022

The Homelessness Monitor: Great Britain 2022 was commissioned by Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt Un...

Falling Short: Housing Benefit and the rising cost of renting in England

Crisis and Zoopla have joined forces on an in-depth look at the actual cost of renting in England...

Public attitudes towards homelessness: wave three (May 2022)

The Crisis Framing Homelessness Project has commissioned a bi-annual online survey to track the U...

Invitation to tender for evaluation of Psychological Health & Wellbeing services

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Crisis launches invitation to tender for evaluation of our Psychological Health &amp; Wellbeing s...

“I hoped there’d be more options:” Experiences of the Homelessness Reduction Act, 2018-2021

In 2018 the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) introduced huge changes to the English homelessness...

Research into the Homelessness Reduction Act

Update, 30th May: our final report on the Homelessness Reduction Act is available here. In 2018,...

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2022

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2022 was commissioned by Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt Universi...

Talk to us about being a person of colour who has faced homelessness or insecure housing

Talk to us about being a person of colour who has faced homelessness or insecure housing We want...

In This Together: large grants evaluation report (2022)

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the pressure on the services supporting people f...

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The Local Homelessness Area Classification

Unit(s) of assessment: Social Work and Social Policy

Research theme: Safety and Security of Citizens and Society

School: School of Social Sciences

Setting the Context

Understanding housing and homelessness across England is a key social challenge. Research has been done to map and understand the most evidence informed interventions that can be used to tackle challenges facing housing and homelessness teams across the country. Little has been done to understand how different local authorities tackle the issues they face and how they could connect with others to share approaches and work together. Our project building on spatial analysis and homelessness expertise will provide a novel tool to help local authorities and support organisations to understand who faces similar challenges across England.

Addressing the Challenge

Our Local Area Homelessness Classification clusters all English Local Authorities into eight groups that exhibit similar housing, homelessness data and socio-economic data. We want to test if this methodology will aid Local Authorities to build better networks with similar authorities to support their teams to understand and develop solutions to housing and homelessness challenges.

Making a Difference

On Tuesday 18 January 2022  researchers at NTU will be sharing the classification for the first time seeking expert comment from housing and homelessness teams from across the UK. This open event is planned to showcase the tool, learn from colleagues experiences and take forward a project to help create better insights for the sector.

To book your place please visit our event page.

Following the launch event the clusters, pen portraits and interactive map of England will be shared here for use by local authorities, individuals and organisations committed to supporting people in need across the country.

Dr James Hunter

Dr Eva Zemandl

Dr Ian Mahoney

Dr Richard Machin

Rich Pickford - Nottingham  Civic Exchange

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Research: Homelessness in Great Britain - The numbers behind the story

Homelessness in great britain - the numbers behind the story.

The true level of homelessness is extremely difficult to count. With this work our aim is to estimate the number of people (adults and children) that are recorded as homeless as at the end of Quarter 1 2018, which is the latest available set of official homelessness data. We do not seek to assess how many people are sofa-surfing or experiencing other non-officially recorded types of homelessness, so our results will always be to some degree the tip of the iceberg.

Our total consists of four elements:

Homeless and living in temporary accommodation

Rough sleeping

Single hostel spaces

Homeless and in temporary accommodation that has been arranged by Children's Services under the Children Act

Dozens of refugee households facing homelessness in Brighton and Hove

Dozens of refugee households were facing homelessness in Brighton and Hove in the last quarter of 2023, new figures show.

The number of asylum seekers living in temporary accommodation has grown massively over the past year across England, as a refugee charity brands the rise "tragic yet predictable".

Data from the Department of Housing, Levelling Up and Communities shows 24 households living in supported asylum accommodation in Brighton and Hove had received support from the council for being homeless – known as homelessness duties – in the last quarter of 2023.

These included three households on 'prevention' duties – and therefore deemed to be at risk of being made homeless – and 21 receiving relief duties, having already lost their homes.

Over the same period in 2022, the total figure was two.

Across the country, around 5,800 refugee households received these duties at the end of 2023 – up from 1,390 a year before.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said the rise in refugee homelessness was the "tragic yet predictable consequence of a dysfunctional system".

Currently, refugees have 28 days to move on to regular benefits once their refugee status is granted.

But Mr Solomon says it is "simply unrealistic" to expect someone to secure housing and a stable income in that time, meaning refugees often end up without a home.

He said: "The day they are granted refugee status should be a day of immense relief and celebration. But it’s not, because by giving people such a limited time to start anew, the risk of becoming homeless and destitute is felt immediately."

He urged the Government to work with local authorities to extend the 'move-on' period to 56 days.

Many of these households were in London, with 1,420 homeless refugee families in the capital. This was followed by the North West, which had 1,210.

Meanwhile, 550 refugee households were homeless in the South East – a rise from 50 a year earlier.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: "Councils continue to see growing demand for housing advice and support as they process a backlog of claims from those seeking asylum."

They said housing shortages mean those leaving asylum accommodation will struggle to find homes, and the organisation wants to work with the Government to improve the system of housing asylum seekers.

They continued: "This requires a national, regional and local approach to solving pressing housing needs across all schemes that welcome new arrivals to the UK.

"Councils do not receive funding for people whose asylum claim has been granted and also need urgent confirmation of the funding available for their role in asylum for 2024-25."

A government spokesperson said the refugees' 28 days to move on from asylum accommodation begins when their biometric residence permit is issued. This could give them longer than 28 days between the refugee status being granted and the end of the 'moving-on' period.

The spokesperson also said: "Support is also available through Migrant Help and their partners, which includes advice on how to access Universal Credit, the labour market and where to get assistance with housing.

"We are working to make sure individuals have the support they need following an asylum decision, and to help local authorities better plan as we reduce the number of asylum seekers awaiting a decision."