Significant Rise in London’s Rough Sleeping Figures
Recent reports indicate that the number of individuals sleeping rough in London has reached a staggering 13,231 in 2024-25, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This alarming trend includes 3,028 individuals who are facing long-term homelessness, revealing a 27% rise in long-term rough sleeping since 2023-24.
The Mayor’s Response: A Plan for Change
In response to these escalating figures, the Mayor of London unveiled the Rough Sleeping Plan of Action in May 2025, which aims to eradicate rough sleeping in the capital by 2030. The plan outlines three principal initiatives:
- To foster leadership among services to streamline access to support for those in need.
- To implement measures that prevent individuals from becoming homeless.
- To provide swift and sustainable pathways away from life on the streets.
New Programmes and Funding Initiatives
August 2025 saw the approval of the Accommodation and Wider Support for Those Who Need It Most programme, a crucial step in the Mayor’s strategy. This decision delegates authority to the Assistant Director of Housing Programmes and Partnerships, allowing for the necessary financial expenditures to support the accommodations and initiatives outlined.
Among the approved projects is the Rough Sleeping Programme, financed through the GLA core budget. Additionally, the Mayor’s office has sanctioned the procurement of the ‘No Second Night Out’ (NSNO) service, which has a potential value of up to £47.94 million. Launched in April 2024, this service aims to provide immediate support to individuals who find themselves sleeping rough.
Emergency Responses: Severe Weather Protocols
In addition to these initiatives, the Mayor’s office has established specific provisions for the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), activated when temperatures plunge to freezing. This emergency measure ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to additional shelter during extreme weather, alongside essential support from outreach services such as St Mungo’s.
Past Efforts: The Floating Hubs
St Mungo’s has previously successfully operated floating hubs between 2018 and 2020, providing critical support to 282 individuals, with a notable 67% successfully transitioning away from homelessness. These hubs were put on hold to redirect resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: A Growing Crisis
The increasing number of rough sleepers in London underscores a growing humanitarian crisis, prompting urgent action from city officials. The initiatives outlined in the Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action represent a concerted effort to address the complexities of homelessness in the capital.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/add2796-nsno-floating-hubs-and-swep
