Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2021
Updated 31 March 2022
Applies to England
1. Main findings
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The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn has fallen for the fourth year in a row from its peak in 2017. At the same time, the number of people estimated to be currently in emergency accommodation has fallen by over half on the same period last year.
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The snapshot overall remains higher than 2010 when the snapshot approach was introduced.
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There were 2,440 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021. This is down by 250 people or 9% from last year and down 49% from the peak in 2017 but is up by 670 people or 38% since 2010. At the same time, the number of people estimated to be in emergency & short-term accommodation in November is down 5,490 people or 56% from the same period last year.
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Rough sleeping decreased in every region of England compared to the previous year. The largest decrease in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough was in London, where there were 640 people this year compared to 710 people last year. This is down by 70 people or 10% from last year.
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Nearly half (45%) of all people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn are in London and the South East.
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Most people sleeping rough in England were male, aged over 26 years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years.
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Unlike last year, this year’s Rough sleeping snapshot did not coincide with significant COVID-19 related restrictions which may have impacted people’s risk of rough sleeping.
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Throughout the pandemic government has, working with local authorities, put in place significant support to accommodate and those sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough in order to protect them from COVID-19. By November 2021, there were nearly 4,300 people in emergency & short-term accommodation who would otherwise have been sleeping rough or were at risk of sleeping rough, and 40,000 people who had already moved on into longer-term accommodation since the pandemic began.
Date of next publication: It is expected that the autumn 2022 Rough sleeping snapshot will be published in early 2023. The date will be pre-announced on the GOV.UK publication release calendar
Figure 1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in England since 2010.
1.1 Introduction
This publication provides information about the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night between 1 October and 30 November 2021 and some basic demographic details (i.e. age, gender, nationality). These statistics provide a way of estimating the number of people sleeping rough across England on a single night in autumn and to assess change over time.
In response to the pandemic, particularly in 2020, the government launched a range of extra support for people sleeping rough, in addition to the support already being provided as part of the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI).
As well as the pandemic, there are other factors that can affect the number of people who sleep rough on any given night. For example, the availability of night shelters, the weather, where people choose to sleep and the date and time chosen for the snapshot estimate. Whilst local authorities are asked to provide possible reasons for any significant changes in the numbers of people who sleep rough compared to previous years, the figures in this release are subject to some uncertainty and should be treated as estimates of the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn.
Alongside this year’s snapshot statistics, we are also publishing for the first time a detailed commentary around the new management information about the support for people sleeping rough and those at risk of sleeping rough, which we have been collecting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This management information is published in Annex A.
This management information is designed to measure local authority performance on ending rough sleeping and to help inform the on-going response to the pandemic and support future policy development. It provides more timely and frequent information about people sleeping rough and uses a similar collection approach to annual rough sleeping statistics, albeit without the greater verification of the annual statistics.
The annual snapshot statistics remain our official and most robust measure of rough sleeping on a single night given they are independently verified and are published in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
1.2 Definitions
People sleeping rough are defined as follows: People sleeping, about to bed down (sitting on/in or standing next to their bedding) or bedded down in the open air (such as on the streets, in tents, doorways, parks, bus shelters or encampments). People in buildings or other places not designed for habitation (such as stairwells, barns, sheds, car parks, cars, derelict boats, stations, or ‘bashes’ which are makeshift shelters, often comprised of cardboard boxes). The definition does not include people in hostels or shelters, people in campsites or other sites used for recreational purposes or organised protest, squatters or travellers.
Bedded down is taken to mean either lying down or sleeping.
About to bed down includes those who are sitting in/on or near a sleeping bag or other bedding.
1.3 Things you need to know
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Local authorities across England take an autumn single night snapshot of people sleeping rough. They either use a count-based estimate of visible rough sleeping, an evidence-based estimate meeting with local agencies or an evidence-based estimate meeting including a spotlight count.
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Local authorities, together with local agencies, decide which approach and date to use for their snapshot of rough sleeping. They are advised to use the approach that will provide the most accurate estimate of the number of people sleeping rough in their local authority.
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The snapshot should take place on a ‘typical night’, on a single date between 1 October and 30 November, chosen by the local authority. The date can change from one year to the next and will not be the same for all local authorities. In some cases, this is coordinated with neighbouring local authorities to avoid double counting of people.
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The snapshot takes place in the autumn rather than summer, where numbers are likely to be higher due to warmer temperatures or winter, where numbers may be lower as more temporary night shelters are set up to ensure people do not sleep rough on the streets in very cold weather
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The snapshot is collated by outreach workers, local charities and community groups and is independently verified by Homeless Link.
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People sleeping rough are defined[footnote 1] as those sleeping or about to bed down in open air locations and other places including tents and make-shift shelters.
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The snapshot does not include people in hostels or shelters, people sofa surfing, or those in recreational sites or organised protest, those in squats or traveller campsites.
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The snapshot does not provide a definitive number of people affected by homelessness in England. The term ‘homelessness’ is much broader than people sleeping rough.
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The snapshot records only those people seen, or thought to be, sleeping rough on a single night in autumn.
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The snapshot does not include everyone in a local authority with a history of sleeping rough. Nor does it include everyone sleeping rough across local authorities from the October to November period.
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Accurately estimating the number of people sleeping rough within a local authority is inherently difficult given the hidden nature of rough sleeping.
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The snapshot methodology has been in place since 2010. From 1998 to 2010, only a quarter of all local authorities who estimated that there were more than ten people sleeping rough in their local authority were asked to conduct an annual street count.
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Alongside this year’s snapshot statistics, we are also publishing for the first time a detailed commentary around the new management information about the support for people sleeping rough and those at risk of sleeping rough.
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Since March 2018, the government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) has funded local authorities to provide specialist services to help the most vulnerable people in society off the streets and into secure accommodation. Over 90% of local authorities are part of the initiative, which is now in its fourth year.
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In March 2020, the government launched the ‘Everyone In’ support asking local authorities to immediately house people sleeping rough and those at risk of rough sleeping to protect their health and stop wider transmission of COVID-19. This ongoing support has helped to protect thousands of vulnerable people during the pandemic.
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In July 2020, the government launched the Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP), which provided the financial resources to local authorities and their partners to prevent those accommodated during the pandemic from returning to the streets. Allocations for this fund were announced in September 2020 for the interim element and in October 2020 and February 2022 for the long-term element. The long-term element continued and is now known as the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP).
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In October 2020, the government announced the Cold Weather Payment followed by the Winter Pressures Fund in 2021, for local authorities faith and community groups to help to keep people sleeping rough safe and into accommodation this winter.
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In November 2020, the government launched the Protect Programme, followed by the Protect Plus Programme which runs alongside the ‘Everyone In’ support. This programme helps areas that need additional support most during the restrictions and throughout winter.
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These programmes are all part of the government’s ongoing Rough Sleeping Strategy to end rough sleeping by the end of the parliament.
2. Rough sleeping snapshot
2.1 National
The number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in England has fallen for the fourth consecutive year.
The number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in London has fallen for the third consecutive year.
The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn has fallen for the fourth year in a row from its peak in 2017 but remains higher than in 2010 when the snapshot approach was first introduced.
There were 2,440 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 in England. This was a decrease of 250 people or 9% decrease from 2020 and an increase of 670 people or 38% increase since 2010.
For the third year in a row there has been a decrease in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in London. There has also been a decrease in the Rest of England for a fourth year running.
In London, there were 640 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021. This is a decrease of 70 people or a 10% decrease from 2020 and an increase of 220 people or a 52% increase since 2010.
Across the Rest of England, there were 1,800 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021. This is down by 170 people or a 9% decrease from last year and down by 1,810 people or 50% from its peak in 2017. However, this is an increase of 450 people or a 33% increase since 2010.
Table 2.1.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in England, London and Rest of England since 2010.
Year | England | % change on previous year (England) | London | % change on previous year (London) | Rest of England | % change on previous year (Rest of England) |
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2010 | 1,770 | - | 420 | - | 1,350 | - |
2011 | 2,180 | 23 | 450 | 7 | 1,740 | 29 |
2012 | 2,310 | 6 | 560 | 24 | 1,750 | 1 |
2013 | 2,410 | 4 | 540 | -4 | 1,870 | 7 |
2014 | 2,740 | 14 | 740 | 37 | 2,000 | 7 |
2015 | 3,570 | 30 | 940 | 27 | 2,630 | 32 |
2016 | 4,130 | 16 | 960 | 2 | 3,170 | 21 |
2017 | 4,750 | 15 | 1,140 | 19 | 3,610 | 14 |
2018 | 4,680 | -1 | 1,280 | 12 | 3,390 | -6 |
2019 | 4,270 | -9 | 1,140 | -11 | 3,130 | -8 |
2020 | 2,690 | -37 | 710 | -38 | 1,970 | -37 |
2021 | 2,440 | -9 | 640 | -10 | 1,800 | -9 |
Figure 2.1.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn in London and the Rest of England since 2010.
2.2 Regional
Nearly half (45%) of all people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn are in London and the South East.
Rough sleeping decreased in every region compared to the previous year, with London decreasing the most.
The largest decrease in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 was in the London, where there were 640 people this year compared to 710 people last year.
Table 2.2.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by region compared to previous year
Area | 2020 | 2021 | Difference | % Change |
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England | 2,690 | 2,440 | -250 | -9 |
Rest of England | 1,970 | 1,800 | -170 | -9 |
London | 710 | 640 | -70 | -10 |
East of England | 270 | 240 | -30 | -11 |
North West | 230 | 200 | -30 | -13 |
North East | 70 | 50 | -20 | -29 |
South East | 470 | 450 | -20 | -4 |
South West | 350 | 330 | -20 | -6 |
West Midlands | 210 | 190 | -20 | -10 |
East Midlands | 190 | 180 | -10 | -5 |
Yorkshire and The Humber | 180 | 170 | -10 | -6 |
Figure 2.2.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by region since 2010. (% change comparing 2021 to previous year for each region is highlighted)
London and the South East accounted for nearly half (45%) of all the people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn this year, which is similar to previous years. The North East of England was the region with the lowest number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn this year, which is also similar to previous years.
Figure 2.2.2: Proportion of people sleeping rough on single night in autumn 2021 by region.
2.3 Local authority
Westminster had the highest number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021.
The largest increase in the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn was in Camden.
The largest decrease in the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn was in Westminster.
The local authority with the highest number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 was Westminster where 187 people were estimated to be sleeping rough. Westminster has consistently been the local authority with the highest number of people sleeping rough since the snapshot approach was introduced in 2010.
The Westminster City Council: Review of Homelessness 2019 (PDF, 1.35MB) suggests that Westminster attracts a disproportionate number of people sleeping rough from across the UK and internationally because of: its central location and access to transport hubs, the perceived safety of the area due to its 24 hour nature, begging opportunities available due to large numbers of people in the area including tourists, a flow of easily accessible drugs, employment opportunities and availability of services for people sleeping rough.
Table 2.3.1: Local authorities with the highest estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to previous year.
Local Authority | 2020 | 2021 | Difference | % Change |
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Westminster | 242 | 187 | -55 | -23 |
Camden | 42 | 97 | 55 | 131 |
Bristol, City of | 50 | 68 | 18 | 36 |
Manchester | 68 | 43 | -25 | -37 |
Brighton and Hove | 27 | 37 | 10 | 37 |
Peterborough | 9 | 36 | 27 | 300 |
Birmingham | 17 | 31 | 14 | 82 |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | 25 | 29 | 4 | 16 |
Lambeth | 20 | 29 | 9 | 45 |
Cornwall | 29 | 28 | -1 | -3 |
Figure 2.3.1: Local authorities with the highest estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021.
The largest increase in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough was in Camden, where there were 97 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021, compared to 42 last year. According to the local authority, this increase is thought to be due to the closure of accommodation that was provided as part of the response the pandemic and an increase in people sleeping rough from the EU including those with no recourse to public funds, as well as movement of people sleeping rough from other London boroughs.
Generally, the largest increases in the number of people sleeping rough, according to the local authorities involved, were thought to be largely due to the easing of lockdown restrictions and the return to busier streets (last year’s 2020 estimate was undertaken during a national lockdown) and the change in response to the pandemic.
Table 2.3.2: Local authorities with the largest increase in the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to previous year.
Local Authority | 2020 | 2021 | Difference | % Change |
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Camden | 42 | 97 | 55 | 131 |
Peterborough | 9 | 36 | 27 | 300 |
Bristol, City of | 50 | 68 | 18 | 36 |
Birmingham | 17 | 31 | 14 | 82 |
Kingston upon Thames | 14 | 28 | 14 | 100 |
Figure 2.3.2: Local authorities with the largest increase in the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to previous year.
The largest decrease in the number of people sleeping rough was in Westminster, where 187 people were estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to 242 people last year. The local authority suggests that the reduction was a result of both ‘Everyone In’, the Protect programme and RSI funding. This has helped increase emergency accommodation availability but also expand outreach services that support people into accommodation.
Generally, the largest decreases in the number of people sleeping rough, according to the local authorities involved, was due to government funding provided through ‘Everyone In’, RSI, RSAP and the Protect programme. Local authorities reported this funding has allowed them to expand their outreach services and increase the availability of emergency accommodation to better support people sleeping rough. When comparing the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn across years, and between local authorities, there are a range of factors that should be considered. For example, the impact of COVID-19, the weather, where people choose to sleep, movement across local authority boundaries particularly in London, the date and time chosen for the snapshot and the availability of night shelters
Table 2.3.3: Local authorities with the largest decrease in the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to previous year.
Local Authority | 2020 | 2021 | Difference | % Change |
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Westminster | 242 | 187 | -55 | -23 |
Manchester | 68 | 43 | -25 | -37 |
Exeter | 37 | 14 | -23 | -62 |
Southwark | 24 | 10 | -14 | -58 |
Waltham Forest | 18 | 5 | -13 | -72 |
Figure 2.3.3: Local authorities with the largest decrease in the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 compared to previous year.
3. Demographics
Since 2016, the Rough sleeping snapshot has also included some basic demographic information about those people found sleeping rough, including age, gender and nationality. Consistent demographic data which used the same categories has been available from 2017 onwards[footnote 2].
Demographic information was collected either by asking the person found sleeping rough or by referring to existing knowledge (if that person was already known). If a person refused to give, or did not want to share, their personal information, they would still be recorded as sleeping rough and demographic information including age, gender and nationality would be recorded as ‘Not known’, if unknown. If it was not possible to record demographic information, due to an individual sleeping for example, then it was recorded as ‘Not known’.
3.1 Age
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were aged over 26 years old.
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 were aged over 26 years old, which was similar to previous years. Under 18s who are homeless should be provided with accommodation by Children’s Services in their local authority. There were no people under the age of 18 found sleeping rough in this year’s snapshot.
In 2021, there were 2,110 people (86% of the total) sleeping rough on a single night in autumn who were aged 26 years or over and 110 people (5% of the total) who were aged between 18 and 25 years. The age of people sleeping rough was ‘Not known’ for 220 people, or 9% of the total.
Table 3.1.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by age since 2017.
Year | Under 18 | 18 - 25 | Over 26 | Not Known | Total |
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2017 | 1 - 4 | 370 | 3,850 | 540 | 4,750 |
2018 | 1 - 4 | 300 | 3,740 | 640 | 4,680 |
2019 | 10 | 200 | 3,540 | 520 | 4,270 |
2020 | 1 - 4 | 140 | 2,350 | 200 | 2,690 |
2021 | 0 | 110 | 2,110 | 220 | 2,440 |
Figure 3.1.1: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by age since 2017.
The age breakdown of people sleeping rough was broadly similar across all regions in England.
Table 3.1.2: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by age and region.
Area | Under 18% | 18 - 25% | Over 26% | Not Known % |
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England | 0 | 5 | 86 | 9 |
Rest of England | 0 | 4 | 89 | 7 |
London | 0 | 6 | 78 | 16 |
3.2 Gender
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were male.
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were male. In 2021, there were 2,080 men (85% of the total) and 320 women (13% of the total) sleeping rough on a single night in autumn. Gender was ‘Not known’ for 40 people (2%). The gender breakdown of people sleeping rough was similar across all regions in England and was similar to previous years.
Table 3.2.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by gender since 2017.
Year | Male | Female | Not Known | Total |
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2017 | 3,970 | 650 | 130 | 4,750 |
2018 | 3,940 | 640 | 100 | 4,680 |
2019 | 3,530 | 610 | 120 | 4,270 |
2020 | 2,280 | 380 | 30 | 2,690 |
2021 | 2,080 | 320 | 40 | 2,440 |
Figure 3.2.1: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by gender since 2017.
Table 3.2.2: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by gender and region.
Area | Male % | Female % | Not Known % |
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England | 85 | 13 | 2 |
Rest of England | 86 | 13 | 2 |
London | 84 | 14 | 3 |
3.3 Nationality
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were from the UK.
EU nationals make up a higher percentage of the total number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn compared to last year
Most people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 were from the UK. This is similar to previous years. In 2021, there were 1,630 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night who were from the UK (67% of the total), 500 people (20% of the total) were EU nationals and 110 people (5% of the total) were from outside the EU and the UK. The nationality of 200 people (8% of the total) was ‘Not known’.
Table 3.3.1: Estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by nationality since 2017.
Year | UK | EU | Non-EU | Not Known | Total |
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2017 | 3,400 | 760 | 190 | 400 | 4,750 |
2018 | 3,010 | 1,050 | 150 | 460 | 4,680 |
2019 | 2,740 | 940 | 150 | 440 | 4,270 |
2020 | 1,920 | 470 | 130 | 170 | 2,690 |
2021 | 1,630 | 500 | 110 | 200 | 2,440 |
Figure 3.3.1: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by nationality since 2017.
In London, nearly half of the people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were from outside the UK in 2021. In total, 230 people were from the UK (36% of the total), 260 people (41% of the total) were EU nationals and 50 people (8% of the total) were from outside the EU and the UK. The nationality of 100 people (16% of the total) was ‘Not known’.
Across the Rest of England, 1,410 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn were from the UK (78% of the total), 240 people were EU nationals (13% of total), 60 people were from outside the EU and the UK (3% of total) and for 100 people (6% of the total) nationality was ‘Not known’.
Table 3.3.2: Proportion of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by nationality and region.
Area | UK % | EU % | Non-EU % | Not Known % |
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England | 67 | 20 | 5 | 8 |
Rest of England | 78 | 13 | 3 | 6 |
London | 36 | 41 | 8 | 16 |
The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough who were from the UK decreased the most compared to other nationalities. In 2021, there were 1,630 people from the UK estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night compared to 1,920 people in 2020, which is a decrease of 290 people. Consequently, UK nationals make up a lower percentage of the total number of people sleeping rough on a single night in 2021 (67%) compared to 2020 (71%).
EU nationals make up a higher percentage of the total number of people sleeping rough on a single night in 2021 (20%) compared to 2020 (17%). This is reflected by an increase in people from this year (500 people) compared to last year (470 people), which represents a 6% increase in EU nationals.
There was also a large change in the number of people sleeping rough whose nationality was ‘Not Known’ compared to last year (18% increase).
Table 3.3.3: Difference to previous year in the number of people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn by nationality.
Nationality | 2020 | 2021 | Difference | % change |
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UK | 1,920 | 1,630 | -290 | -15 |
EU | 470 | 500 | 30 | 6 |
Non-EU | 130 | 110 | -20 | -15 |
Not Known | 170 | 200 | 30 | 18 |
Total | 2,690 | 2,440 | -250 | -9 |
4. Snapshot approach
Most local authorities (92%) used the same approach for their Rough sleeping snapshot as they did last year.
Most local authorities used an evidence-based meeting for their Rough sleeping snapshot, which is similar to previous years.
Local authorities, in conjunction with local agencies, decide which approach to use for their snapshot of rough sleeping. They are advised to use the approach that will most accurately reflect the number of people sleeping rough in their local authority and will provide an estimate that best meets the local context. There are different approaches a local authority can decide to use, this includes:
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A count-based estimate which is the number of people seen sleeping rough in the local authority on a ‘typical night’ - a single date chosen by the local authority between 1 October and 30 November.
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An evidence-based estimate meeting which is an evidence-based assessment by local agencies, leading to a single snapshot figure that represents the number of people thought to be sleeping rough in the local authority on a ‘typical night’ - a single date chosen by the local authority between 1 October and 30 November.
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An evidence-based estimate meeting including a spotlight count which is the same as above, but with one of the evidence sources also including a street count, which might not be as extensive as the count-based estimate but has taken place after midnight on the ‘typical night’.
In 2021, 250 local authorities (81%) used an evidence-based estimate meeting or an evidence-based estimate meeting including spotlight count for their Rough sleeping snapshot and 59 local authorities (19%) used a count-based estimate.
Figure 4.1: Approach used by local authorities for their Rough sleeping snapshot since 2010.
As in previous years, most local authorities used an evidence-based estimate meeting for their Rough sleeping snapshot. More local authorities supplemented their evidence-based estimate meetings with a spotlight count compared to last year. However, we do not know how this compares with earlier years, as although this approach was available, only a distinction between evidence-based estimate meetings and count-based estimates were recorded and published at the time.
There was an increase in the number of local authorities that used a count-based estimate for the Rough sleeping snapshot compared to last year. This was likely due to areas changing approach following the national restrictions in place for last year’s count that have since been lifted.
Table 4.1: Approach used by local authorities for their Rough sleeping snapshot compared to previous year.
Approach | 2020 | 2021 |
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Count-based estimate | 39 | 59 |
Evidence-based estimate meeting | 149 | 102 |
Evidence-based estimate meeting (inc. spotlight count) | 126 | 148 |
Total | 314 | 309 |
Local authorities can change approach from year to year but any decision to do so must be guided by whether it will produce the most accurate figure. Homeless Link, who independently verified the Rough sleeping snapshot, ask for details of this decision-making as part of the verification process to ensure any changes meet the guidance. If the reasons given for an approach change were deemed unsatisfactory, then the local authority snapshot figure would not be verified.
There are several reasons why a local authority may change from an evidence-based estimate to a count-based estimate or vice versa from year to year. For example, a local authority may change from an evidence-based estimate to a count-based estimate if there are a lack of local agencies with intelligence about where people are sleeping rough or if agencies refuse to share their data, making it difficult to form an accurate estimate. A local authority may change from a count-based estimate to an evidence-based estimate if there are new sleep sites which are inaccessible or unsafe to access, which would not be included in a count-based estimate.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, further verification was introduced for all areas for the 2020 snapshot and remained in place this year to ensure figures provided were accurate. Further information about verification is available in the technical report.
The 2018 RSI impact evaluation found that local authorities changing their approach to measuring rough sleeping from count-based estimate to evidence-based estimate and vice versa, was unlikely to account for the fall in rough sleeping seen in these local authorities. A more detailed analysis of the Rough sleeping snapshot overtime was carried out to examine the possible effects of local authorities changing their snapshot approach. This is available in the technical report.
Figure 4.2: Percentage of local authorities that changed approach[footnote 3] for their Rough sleeping snapshot to previous year.
5. Consultation with local agencies
Nearly three quarters of local authorities consulted five or more agencies for their snapshot estimate.
Most local authorities involved the police, voluntary sector and outreach teams for their snapshot estimate.
Local authorities consult local agencies to discuss what intelligence they have about rough sleeping locally to check if there are any factors that might affect the choice of a ‘typical night’ for the estimate. Furthermore, the local authority should involve those local agencies that have the most accurate information about who is sleeping rough. In 2021, every local authority reported that they had consulted with at least one type of local agency, and 74% reported they had consulted five different groups or more.
The involvement of local agencies is an essential element of the Rough sleeping snapshot. It ensures transparency about how the snapshot was carried out and enables Homeless Link to speak to independent local agencies as part of the verification process. Homeless Link will not verify the process where no local agencies, or only those that are part of or commissioned by the local authority, are involved.
This year, 38 local authorities (12%) provided figures that were unverified by Homeless Link. This was because either they did not involve independent, non-commissioned local partners, or the guidance was not properly followed, for example if the spotlight count, which forms part of the evidence-based estimate did not happen after midnight. These snapshots are still included in this year’s publication but the lack of independence and concerns about the guidance not having been properly followed needs to be taken into consideration when interpreting these figures for these specific local authorities.
Local authorities may not have involved independent local partners for a number of reasons, including last minute cancellations, self-isolation so they could not be involved and difficulty finding independent partners who were not commissioned by local authority in some way or another to support people sleeping rough as services have been expanded. In some other cases, local authorities involved independent, non-commissioned local partners in the planning of the process but not the actual count-based estimate or evidence-based estimate meeting, so these were unverified. Further information about verification is available in the technical report.
Figure 5.1: Number of agencies consulted by local authorities for their Rough sleeping snapshot this year.
In 2021, nearly all local authorities involved outreach workers, the police and the voluntary sector in their Rough sleeping snapshot. Most local authorities also involved substance misuse teams and faith groups.
Figure 5.2: Local agencies most involved in the 2021 Rough sleeping snapshot.
6. Technical notes
6.1 Data tables, interactive dashboard and technical report
Four accompanying tables are available alongside this release. These include the number of people sleeping rough, demographic information (i.e. age, gender, nationality), the snapshot approach used and any consultations that took place with local agencies. An interactive dashboard and infographic enables users to explore trends in rough sleeping since 2010. A technical report explains in more detail how the rough sleeping data is collected and provides an assessment of data quality and data limitations.
6.2 Data quality and limitations
These statistics provide a way of estimating the number of people sleeping rough across England on a single night in autumn and assessing change over time. Accurately estimating the number of people sleeping rough within a local authority is inherently difficult given the hidden nature of rough sleeping. Furthermore, there are a range of factors that can impact on the number of people seen or thought to be sleeping rough on any given night. These include the weather, where people choose to sleep, the date and time chosen, and the availability of alternatives such as available night shelters.
We have suppressed small values between 1 and 4 and rounded national and regional totals to avoid any potential for disclosure. The demographic tables are also only displayed for regional and national breakdown. This has been done for historic figures as well for consistency purposes.
The impact evaluation of the 2018 RSI found that local authorities changing their approach to measuring rough sleeping was unlikely to account for the fall in rough sleeping observed in these local authorities. It also found that the weather on the night of, and leading up to, the snapshot was also unlikely to have impacted on the number of people sleeping rough.
Homeless Link have been funded by DLUHC since 2010 to provide guidance to local authorities who conduct the snapshot of rough sleeping and to independently verify all local authorities’ snapshots. For more information about the quality assurance processes, data limitations and the role of Homeless Link please see the technical report.
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) which is the regulatory arm of the UK Statistics Authority completed a compliance check of the Rough sleeping snapshot statistics against the Code of Practice for Statistics. This review considered the value, quality and trustworthiness of these statistics in relation to the Code.
6.3 Related statistics
Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN)
The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) is a multi-agency database recording information about people seen rough sleeping by outreach teams in London. CHAIN is managed by St Mungo’s, a London-based homeless charity and is used by organisations working with people sleeping rough in London. Information is recorded onto the CHAIN database by people who work directly with people sleeping rough in London (e.g. workers in outreach teams, day centres, hostels and resettlement teams). CHAIN does not cover ‘hidden homeless’ groups, such as those who are squatting or staying in inaccessible locations to outreach workers.
The CHAIN data, which is published quarterly and annually, is not directly comparable to the single night snapshot estimates presented in this release. The CHAIN data most similar to the single night snapshot provides a total count of all individuals seen sleeping rough by outreach teams in London on at least one night during the October to December 2021 quarter. Whereas, the DLUHC single night snapshot for autumn 2021 shows the number of people seen or thought to be sleeping rough on a single night between 1 October and 30 November 2021. The CHAIN database also records more detailed demographic information about people sleeping rough.
Although the CHAIN database provides more information about the flows and characteristics of people sleeping rough in London, DLUHC’s Rough sleeping snapshot provides a way of estimating the number of people sleeping rough on a single night and measuring change over time. CHAIN data quality is influenced by the number of outreach workers active on any one night. A local authority which does not have a commissioned outreach team may appear to have fewer rough sleepers than an adjacent borough which does have an active outreach service.
Deaths of homeless people in England and Wales
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes experimental statistics on the number of deaths of homeless people in England and Wales.
Coronavirus and deaths of homeless people in England and Wales
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also publishes statistics on the number of identified deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) of people who were homeless.
Hostels and support services
Homeless Link publishes an Annual Review of Single Homelessness support, which includes information about the number of hostels and shelters in England and available bed spaces, as well as the support and services available to single people who become homeless in England.
DLUHC related statistics
The rough sleeping statistics do not provide a definitive number of people or households affected by homelessness in England. The term ‘homelessness’ is much broader than people sleeping rough. It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of all homelessness across England. Data used to compile any estimate is collated from different datasets, which sample different subsets of the population over different time frames. Any estimate of homelessness in England will collate datasets that are not discrete from one another, which means some individuals may have been included more than once in the estimated total.
Management information about rough sleeping and the support for people sleeping rough in England
DLUHC also collect and publish management information about the support for rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping, as part of the ‘Everyone In’ support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This management information provides more timely information about people sleeping rough but uses a similar collection approach to annual rough sleeping statistics, albeit without the greater verification of the annual statistics.
Alongside this year’s snapshot statistics, we are also publishing for the first time a detailed commentary on the management information about rough sleeping and the support for people sleeping rough in England, Annex A.
Rough sleeping questionnaire
In December 2020, DLUHC published the initial report on the rough sleeping questionnaire (RSQ), which represents one of the largest survey data collections on people who sleep rough ever attempted in the UK. The report provides insights into the experiences of people who have slept rough, including their support needs and vulnerabilities, experiences of homelessness and use of public services, as well as an estimate of the fiscal cost associated with someone who sleeps rough.
Statutory homelessness
DLUHC also collect and publish quarterly statistics on the broad characteristics and circumstances of households owed a statutory homelessness duty. This includes households who approach the council for help with housing who are sleeping rough. The Statutory Homelessness statistics includes some but not all of the people provided with accommodation in response to COVID-19 through the ‘Everyone In’ support. Not all individuals assisted through ‘Everyone In’ would have been owed a homelessness duty. Any individual not owed a homelessness duty would not be part of the local authority case level data submission to DLUHC and therefore would not be included in the Statutory Homelessness statistics. People sleeping rough will only be recorded in these statistics if they have made an application that has been accepted by the local authority.
Hidden homelessness
DLUHC produce other statistical releases that can help build up the wider homelessness picture. For example, the English Housing Survey publishes data on the number of people sofa surfing and concealed households in England, which are additional adults in a household who wanted to rent or buy but could not afford to do so. In addition, the CORE social housing lettings collection publishes data on those moving from homelessness into Local Authority/ Private Registered Providers accommodation.
Expenditure on homelessness
DLUHC publish statistics on local authority revenue expenditure and financing in England. The RO4 return within the Revenue Outturn suite relates to housing services and includes information on local authorities’ expenditure on homelessness activities.
6.4 Revisions policy
This policy has been developed in accordance with the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice for statistics and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Revisions Policy. There are two types of revisions that the policy covers:
Non-scheduled revisions
Where a substantial error has occurred as a result of the compilation, imputation or dissemination process the statistical release, live tables and other accompanying releases will be updated with a correction notice as soon as is practical.
If a local authority notifies DLUHC of an error in the information they have submitted after publication of the release, a decision on whether to revise will be made based upon the impact of any change and the effect it has on the interpretation of the data.
Scheduled revisions
There are no scheduled revisions for this release.
6.5 Uses of the data
The data in this statistical release provide evidence on the prevalence of and trends in rough sleeping in England.
Within DLUHC they are used:
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For ministerial briefing and correspondence, Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information Act cases and to answer public enquiries.
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As background to policy development.
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For monitoring policy, allocating resources, performance monitoring and to support bids for funding from the Treasury.
Outside of DLUHC users include:
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Local housing authorities for monitoring progress, planning and commissioning services to prevent and tackle rough sleeping.
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Other government departments (e.g. Department for Health and Social Care, Public Health Outcomes Framework).
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The voluntary sector and academics to monitor and evaluate housing policy and for campaigning and fundraising purposes.
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EU bodies to compare homelessness across Europe (e.g. FEANTSA Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe).
6.6 User engagement
Users are encouraged to provide feedback on how these statistics are used and how well they meet user needs. Comments on any issues relating to this statistical release are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact roughsleepingstatistics@levellingup.gov.uk if you have any feedback or comments.
See the department’s engagement strategy to meet the needs of statistics users.
6.7 Devolved administration statistics
The devolved administrations publish their own statistics on homelessness which contain information on rough sleeping:
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The Scottish Government publishes figures on the number of households applying to the local authority for assistance under homelessness legislation who say they have slept rough the previous night or have reported their housing situation as ‘long term roofless’.
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The Welsh Government publish a national annual rough sleeping monitoring exercise, which includes a two week information gathering exercise followed by a one night snapshot count. This is carried out by local authorities, in partnership with other local agencies to gauge the extent of rough sleeping across Wales. This has not been carried out for the last 2 years due to the pandemic. The Welsh Government is also collecting and publishing management information on persons placed into temporary accommodation and rough sleepers in response to the pandemic.
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The governing legislation for homelessness in Northern Ireland is the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (as amended). Unlike the other three UK nations, housing is allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), which covers the whole of Northern Ireland, rather than by local authorities. In Northern Ireland, statistics on homelessness are obtained from the NIHE. They carry out an annual street count in Belfast in partnership with other local agencies and homeless organisations.
Comparing between UK countries
The figures are not directly comparable between countries as they have a different methodology, coverage and are carried out at different time periods. ONS published a report, UK homelessness: 2005 to 2018 and an interactive tool on the comparability and coherence of existing UK government data sources on homelessness. ONS have also published a report on rough sleeping in the UK.
Pre-release access
The pre-release access list gives details about the officials who have 24 hours pre-release access to the department’s rough sleeping statistics prior to publication.
7. Enquiries
Media
Telephone: 0303 444 1209
Email: newsdesk@levellingup.gov.uk
Statistical enquiries
Telephone: 0303 444 2623 or 8941
Email: roughsleepingstatistics@levellingup.gov.uk
Responsible Analysts: Jon White & Anthony Ash
Information on Official Statistics is available via the UK Statistics Authority website.
Information about statistics at DLUHC is available via the depatment’s website.
8. Regional maps
The following regional maps detail the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2021 for each local authority in England.
8.1 London
Number of people sleeping rough in London on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Barking and Dagenham | BraD | Count | 1-4 |
Barnet | Barnt | Estimate including spotlight | 13 |
Bexley | Bxly | Estimate | 7 |
Brent | Brent | Estimate including spotlight | 17 |
Bromley | Brml | Count | 1-4 |
Camden | Cmdn | Count | 97 |
City of London | CtoL | Estimate including spotlight | 20 |
Croydon | Cryd | Count | 11 |
Ealing | Elng | Count | 23 |
Enfield | Enfl | Estimate including spotlight | 21 |
Greenwich | Grnw | Count | 9 |
Hackney | Hckn | Count | 11 |
Hammersmith and Fulham | HmaF | Count | 1-4 |
Haringey | Hrng | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Harrow | Hrrw | Count | 1-4 |
Havering | Hvrn | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Hillingdon | Hlln | Count | 9 |
Hounslow | Hnsl | Count | 1-4 |
Islington | Isln | Estimate including spotlight | 13 |
Kensington and Chelsea | KnaC | Count | 11 |
Kingston upon Thames | KnuT | Count | 28 |
Lambeth | Lmbt | Count | 29 |
Lewisham | Lwsh | Count | 7 |
Merton | Mrtn | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Newham | Nwhm | Count | 17 |
Redbridge | Rdbr | Estimate including spotlight | 15 |
Richmond upon Thames | RcuT | Count | 1-4 |
Southwark | Sthw | Count | 10 |
Sutton | Sttn | Count | 1-4 |
Tower Hamlets | TwrH | Estimate including spotlight | 28 |
Waltham Forest | WltF | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Wandsworth | Wnds | Count | 18 |
Westminster | Wstm | Count | 187 |
8.2 South East
Number of people sleeping rough in the South East on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Adur | Adur | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Arun | Arun | Estimate including spotlight | 17 |
Ashford | Ashfr | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Basingstoke and Deane | BsaD | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Bracknell Forest | BrcF | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Brighton and Hove | BraH | Count | 37 |
Buckinghamshire | Bckn | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Canterbury | Cntr | Estimate including spotlight | 18 |
Cherwell | Chrw | Estimate | 6 |
Chichester | Chch | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Crawley | Crwl | Estimate | 8 |
Dartford | Drtf | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Dover | Dovr | Count | 5 |
East Hampshire | EstHm | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Eastbourne | Estb | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Eastleigh | Estl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Elmbridge | Elmb | Estimate | 5 |
Epsom and Ewell | EpaE | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Fareham | Frhm | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Folkestone and Hythe | FlaH | Count | 8 |
Gosport | Gspr | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Gravesham | Grvs | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Guildford | Gldf | Estimate | 8 |
Hart | Hart | Estimate | 1-4 |
Hastings | Hstn | Estimate including spotlight | 23 |
Havant | Hvnt | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Horsham | Hrsh | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Isle of Wight | IsoW | Count | 5 |
Lewes | Lews | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
Maidstone | Mdst | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Medway | Mdwy | Count | 11 |
Mid Sussex | MdSs | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Milton Keynes | MltK | Estimate including spotlight | 18 |
Mole Valley | MlVl | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
New Forest | NwFr | Estimate | 6 |
Oxford | Oxfr | Count | 24 |
Portsmouth | Prts | Estimate | 24 |
Reading | Rdng | Count | 22 |
Reigate and Banstead | RgaB | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Rother | Rothr | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Runnymede | Rnny | Estimate | 1-4 |
Rushmoor | Rshm | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Sevenoaks | Svnk | Count | 1-4 |
Slough | Slgh | Estimate including spotlight | 19 |
South Oxfordshire | SthO | Estimate | 1-4 |
Southampton | Sthm | Estimate including spotlight | 9 |
Spelthorne | Splt | Count | 1-4 |
Surrey Heath | SrrH | Estimate | 5 |
Swale | Swal | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Tandridge | Tndrd | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Test Valley | TstV | Estimate | 1-4 |
Thanet | Thnt | Estimate including spotlight | 14 |
Tonbridge and Malling | TnaM | Estimate | 1-4 |
Tunbridge Wells | TnbW | Count | 1-4 |
Vale of White Horse | VoWH | Estimate | 1-4 |
Waverley | Wvrl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Wealden | Wldn | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
West Berkshire | WstB | Estimate | 1-4 |
West Oxfordshire | WstO | Estimate | 5 |
Winchester | Wnch | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Windsor and Maidenhead | WnaM | Estimate | 1-4 |
Woking | Wokng | Estimate | 1-4 |
Wokingham | Wkngh | Count | 1-4 |
Worthing | Wrth | Estimate including spotlight | 15 |
8.3 East of England
Number of people sleeping rough in the East of England on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Babergh | Bbrg | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Basildon | Bsld | Count | 1-4 |
Bedford | Bdfr | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Braintree | Brntr | Estimate | 5 |
Breckland | Brck | Estimate | 8 |
Brentwood | Brntw | Estimate | 0 |
Broadland | Brdl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Broxbourne | Brxb | Estimate | 1-4 |
Cambridge | Cmbr | Count | 14 |
Castle Point | CstP | Estimate | 1-4 |
Central Bedfordshire | CntB | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Chelmsford | Chlm | Estimate | 13 |
Colchester | Clch | Count | 1-4 |
Dacorum | Dcrm | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
East Cambridgeshire | EstC | Estimate | 1-4 |
East Hertfordshire | EstHr | Estimate | 5 |
East Suffolk | EstSf | Estimate including spotlight | 15 |
Epping Forest | EppF | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Fenland | Fnln | Count | 9 |
Great Yarmouth | GrtY | Estimate including spotlight | 9 |
Harlow | Hrlw | Estimate | 0 |
Hertsmere | Hrts | Estimate | 1-4 |
Huntingdonshire | Hntn | Estimate | 7 |
Ipswich | Ipsw | Count | 1-4 |
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk | KLaWN | Estimate | 1-4 |
Luton | Lutn | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Maldon | Mldn | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Mid Suffolk | MdSf | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
North Hertfordshire | NrtH | Estimate | 1-4 |
North Norfolk | NrthNrf | Estimate | 1-4 |
Norwich | Nrwc | Count | 10 |
Peterborough | Ptrb | Estimate including spotlight | 36 |
Rochford | Rchf | Estimate | 1-4 |
South Cambridgeshire | SthC | Estimate | 1-4 |
South Norfolk | SthN | Estimate | 1-4 |
Southend-on-Sea | S–S | Count | 10 |
St Albans | StAl | Estimate including spotlight | 8 |
Stevenage | Stvn | Estimate | 14 |
Tendring | Tndrn | Estimate | 1-4 |
Three Rivers | ThrR | Estimate | 1-4 |
Thurrock | Thrr | Estimate | 1-4 |
Uttlesford | Uttl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Watford | Wtfr | Count | 6 |
Welwyn Hatfield | WlwH | Estimate | 1-4 |
West Suffolk | WstS | Estimate including spotlight | 9 |
8.4 South West
Number of people sleeping rough in the South West on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Bath and North East Somerset | BaNES | Estimate including spotlight | 14 |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | BCaP | Count | 29 |
Bristol, City of | B,Co | Count | 68 |
Cheltenham | Chlt | Estimate including spotlight | 8 |
Cornwall | Crnw | Estimate including spotlight | 28 |
Cotswold | Ctsw | Estimate | 1-4 |
Dorset | Drst | Estimate including spotlight | 13 |
East Devon | EstD | Estimate | 8 |
Exeter | Extr | Count | 14 |
Forest of Dean | FroD | Estimate | 0 |
Gloucester | Glcs | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Isles of Scilly | IsoS | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Mendip | Mndp | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Mid Devon | MdDv | Estimate | 5 |
North Devon | NrtD | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
North Somerset | NrtS | Estimate including spotlight | 19 |
Plymouth | Plym | Count | 23 |
Sedgemoor | Sdgm | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
Somerset West and Taunton | SWaT | Count | 6 |
South Gloucestershire | SthG | Estimate | 1-4 |
South Hams | SthHm | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
South Somerset | SthSm | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Stroud | Strd | Estimate | 1-4 |
Swindon | Swnd | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Teignbridge | Tgnb | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Tewkesbury | Twks | Estimate | 1-4 |
Torbay | Trby | Estimate including spotlight | 17 |
Torridge | Trrd | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
West Devon | WstD | Estimate | 0 |
Wiltshire | Wlts | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
8.5 West Midlands
Number of people sleeping rough in the West Midlands on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Birmingham | Brmn | Estimate including spotlight | 31 |
Bromsgrove | Brms | Estimate | 0 |
Cannock Chase | CnnC | Estimate | 1-4 |
Coventry | Cvnt | Count | 12 |
Dudley | Ddly | Estimate | 1-4 |
East Staffordshire | EstSt | Count | 0 |
Herefordshire, County of | H,Co | Estimate including spotlight | 12 |
Lichfield | Lchf | Estimate | 1-4 |
Malvern Hills | MlvH | Estimate | 6 |
Newcastle-under-Lyme | N–L | Estimate | 7 |
North Warwickshire | NrtW | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Nuneaton and Bedworth | NnaB | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Redditch | Rddt | Estimate | 1-4 |
Rugby | Rgby | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Sandwell | Sndw | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Shropshire | Shrp | Estimate including spotlight | 21 |
Solihull | Slhl | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
South Staffordshire | SthSt | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Stafford | Stff | Estimate | 8 |
Staffordshire Moorlands | StfM | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Stoke-on-Trent | Stk–T | Estimate | 21 |
Stratford-on-Avon | S–A | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Tamworth | Tmwr | Estimate | 1-4 |
Telford and Wrekin | TlaW | Estimate | 1-4 |
Walsall | Wlsl | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Warwick | Wrwc | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Wolverhampton | Wlvr | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Worcester | Wrcs | Estimate | 20 |
Wychavon | Wych | Estimate | 1-4 |
Wyre Forest | WyrF | Estimate | 1-4 |
8.6 East Midlands
Number of people sleeping rough in the East Midlands on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Amber Valley | AmbV | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Ashfield | Ashfl | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Bassetlaw | Bsst | Estimate including spotlight | 17 |
Blaby | Blby | Estimate | 1-4 |
Bolsover | Blsv | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Boston | Bstn | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Broxtowe | Brxt | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Charnwood | Chrn | Estimate | 1-4 |
Chesterfield | Chst | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Derby | Drby | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
Derbyshire Dales | DrbD | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
East Lindsey | EstL | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Erewash | Erws | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Gedling | Gdln | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Harborough | Hrbr | Estimate | 1-4 |
High Peak | HghP | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Hinckley and Bosworth | HnaB | Estimate | 5 |
Leicester | Lcst | Estimate including spotlight | 8 |
Lincoln | Lncl | Estimate including spotlight | 14 |
Mansfield | Mnsf | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Melton | Mltn | Estimate | 1-4 |
Newark and Sherwood | NwaS | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
North East Derbyshire | NrED | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
North Kesteven | NrtK | Estimate | 0 |
North Northamptonshire | NrthNrt | Estimate including spotlight | 12 |
North West Leicestershire | NrWL | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Nottingham | Nttn | Estimate including spotlight | 23 |
Oadby and Wigston | OdaW | Estimate | 1-4 |
Rushcliffe | Rshc | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Rutland | Rtln | Estimate | 1-4 |
South Derbyshire | SthD | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
South Holland | SthHl | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
South Kesteven | SthK | Count | 1-4 |
West Lindsey | WstLnd | Estimate | 1-4 |
West Northamptonshire | WstN | Estimate including spotlight | 15 |
8.7 Yorkshire and The Humber
Number of people sleeping rough in Yorkshire and The Humber on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Barnsley | Brns | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Bradford | Brdf | Estimate including spotlight | 18 |
Calderdale | Cldr | Estimate | 1-4 |
Craven | Crvn | Estimate | 1-4 |
Doncaster | Dncs | Estimate including spotlight | 20 |
East Riding of Yorkshire | ERoY | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Hambleton | Hmbl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Harrogate | Hrrg | Estimate | 1-4 |
Kingston upon Hull, City of | KuHCo | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
Kirklees | Krkl | Estimate | 5 |
Leeds | Leds | Count | 25 |
North East Lincolnshire | NrEL | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
North Lincolnshire | NrtL | Estimate | 6 |
Richmondshire | Rchm | Estimate | 0 |
Rotherham | Rthrh | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Ryedale | Rydl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Scarborough | Scrb | Estimate | 15 |
Selby | Slby | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Sheffield | Shff | Count | 18 |
Wakefield | Wkfl | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
York | York | Estimate | 1-4 |
8.8 North West
Number of people sleeping rough in the North West on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
Allerdale | Allr | Estimate | 0 |
Barrow-in-Furness | B–F | Estimate | 0 |
Blackburn with Darwen | BlwD | Estimate | 11 |
Blackpool | Blck | Estimate including spotlight | 14 |
Bolton | Bltn | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
Burnley | Brnl | Estimate | 6 |
Bury | Bury | Count | 1-4 |
Carlisle | Crls | Estimate | 0 |
Cheshire East | ChsE | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Cheshire West and Chester | CWaC | Estimate including spotlight | 8 |
Chorley | Chrl | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Copeland | Cpln | Estimate | 0 |
Eden | Eden | Estimate | 0 |
Fylde | Fyld | Estimate | 1-4 |
Halton | Hltn | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Hyndburn | Hynd | Count | 1-4 |
Knowsley | Knws | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
Lancaster | Lncs | Estimate | 1-4 |
Liverpool | Lvrp | Count | 20 |
Manchester | Mnch | Count | 43 |
Oldham | Oldh | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Pendle | Pndl | Estimate | 0 |
Preston | Prst | Count | 6 |
Ribble Valley | RbbV | Estimate | 0 |
Rochdale | Rchd | Estimate including spotlight | 6 |
Rossendale | Rssn | Estimate | 1-4 |
Salford | Slfr | Estimate including spotlight | 8 |
Sefton | Sftn | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
South Lakeland | SthL | Estimate | 9 |
South Ribble | SthR | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
St. Helens | St.H | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Stockport | Stck | Estimate including spotlight | 7 |
Tameside | Tmsd | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Trafford | Trff | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Warrington | Wrrn | Estimate including spotlight | 10 |
West Lancashire | WstLnc | Estimate | 0 |
Wigan | Wign | Estimate including spotlight | 5 |
Wirral | Wrrl | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Wyre | Wyre | Estimate | 1-4 |
8.9 North East
Number of people sleeping rough in the North East on a single night in autumn 2021
Local Authority | Abbreviation | Approach | Single night estimate |
---|---|---|---|
County Durham | CntD | Estimate including spotlight | 11 |
Darlington | Drln | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Gateshead | Gtsh | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Hartlepool | Hrtl | Estimate | 1-4 |
Middlesbrough | Mddl | Count | 1-4 |
Newcastle upon Tyne | NwuT | Estimate including spotlight | 9 |
North Tyneside | NrtT | Count | 1-4 |
Northumberland | Nrth | Estimate | 1-4 |
Redcar and Cleveland | RdaC | Estimate including spotlight | 0 |
South Tyneside | SthT | Count | 1-4 |
Stockton-on-Tees | Stc–T | Estimate including spotlight | 1-4 |
Sunderland | Sndr | Count | 5 |
Footnotes:
-
This definition has been in place since the snapshot methodology was introduced in 2010. ↩
-
Demographic information was collected for the first time in 2016. The totals included ‘Not known’ but not all local authorities were able to provide exact numbers of these ‘Not known’ responses. Therefore this information is not comparable with later years. ↩
-
Only approach changes from a “Count-based estimate” to “Evidence-based estimate” or “Evidence-based estimate” to a “Count-based estimate” were considered as a change in approach. “Evidence-based estimate” to “Evidence-based estimate including spotlight” (or vice versa) were not recognised as a change in approach. We did not routinely collect and report information about evidence-based estimates including spotlight counts before 2018 despite this approach being available - these were all classified as estimates. ↩