Number of homeless people in London has reached an all-time high
The number of homeless people in London has reached a record high. Approximately 12,000 people slept on the streets of the British capital on a Thursday, according to Homeless Link. This is 58% more than a decade ago. The primary cause is the significantly increased living costs in the Kingdom.
Inflation in the United Kingdom, the sixth largest economy in the world, reached record highs not seen in decades in 2023. Additionally, for several years, there have been fewer affordable rental properties.
Homeless Link is an association of homeless support organizations. According to the organization's data, 11,993 people were recorded as sleeping rough in London during the reporting year up to the end of March. This is the highest number ever recorded and a 58% increase over ten years. Nearly half of the homeless were British, with the rest coming from abroad.
Homeless Link CEO Rick Henderson described the situation as "unbearable." The new government, following the upcoming parliamentary election, must address the issue immediately and ensure "truly affordable and secure housing."
People across the UK are deeply concerned about the increasing number of homeless people, with London seeing an alarming rise. Almost half of the estimated 12,000 homeless people in the city are British natives. At the highest level of government, there's a need for immediate action to provide affordable and secure housing, as suggested by Homeless Link CEO Rick Henderson.
