London rough sleeping rises 8% to 819 people
New figures show a significant increase in those classified as living on the streets in the capital.
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The number of individuals classified as living on the streets in London has increased by 8% to 819 during the period of July to September 2026. This figure represents a 20% rise compared to the preceding three months, according to data released by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain). The total number of people recorded sleeping rough in the capital during the same July-September period stood at 4,678. While this represents a 1% decrease from the same quarter in 2025, it is an 18% increase from the previous quarter in 2026.
First-time rough sleepers and support needs
Government pledges £432m to tackle rough sleeping
New funding will extend support for outreach, emergency accommodation and longer-term housing until the end of the current Parliament.
First-time rough sleepers constituted 46% of the total rough-sleeping population in London between July and September 2026. Analysis of the data indicates that a significant proportion of those sleeping rough have complex support needs. Emma Haddad, chief executive of St Mungo’s, stated that almost eight in 10 people rough sleeping in London during the summer had needs such as poor mental health or substance use. She added that many have experienced domestic abuse and trauma, making it more difficult for them to rebuild their lives. Ms Haddad emphasised that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be effective and that tailored support is required.
Government funding and response
In response to the ongoing challenge of rough sleeping, the UK government has announced an additional £432 million for rough-sleeping programmes. This brings the total investment to £874 million, intended to support initiatives until the end of the current Parliament in 2029. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to offering help to every person sleeping on the streets by Christmas. Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, commented that the increase in rough sleeping across London is a stark reminder of the challenge ahead. He stressed the need for resources and investment to reach frontline organisations delivering essential support services. Mr Henderson also called for cross-government accountability and collaboration between national, regional government, and the voluntary sector.
Mayor Sadiq Khan asks for extra funding for police, transport and housing
Khan presented three budget demands to the Chancellor after meeting Andy Burnham, citing rising rough sleeping and a need for greater devolution of finance
Broader context of homelessness
Nationally, the most up-to-date annual statistics estimated there were 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025 across England. Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, noted that the rise in London underlines the urgent need for action. While welcoming the increased government funding, he warned that continued cost-of-living pressures will likely push more individuals towards homelessness and the need for support from charities.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were sleeping rough in London between July and September 2026?
Between July and September 2026, the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain) recorded 4,678 people sleeping rough in London. Of these, 819 were classified as living on the streets, an increase of 8% on the same period the previous year.
+What is the UK government doing to address rough sleeping?
The UK government has announced an additional £432 million for rough-sleeping programmes, bringing the total investment to £874 million. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to offer help to every person sleeping on the streets by Christmas and to provide support throughout the current Parliament.
+What are the main support needs of people sleeping rough in London?
Data indicates that a significant proportion of people rough sleeping in London have complex needs. According to Emma Haddad, chief executive of St Mungo’s, almost eight in 10 rough sleepers have needs such as poor mental health or substance use. Many have also experienced domestic abuse and trauma.
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