The number of people sleeping rough in England has risen for the first time in four years, official figures released last month by the Government show.
London and the South East accounted for nearly half (47%) of all the people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022. The total number of rough sleepers estimated in England on that night is 3,069.
After four years of decreases this number has risen for the first time since the peak in 2017. The cost-of-living crisis is being blamed for pushing more people onto the streets as people struggle with their finances.
However, the 2022 figures, which have been taken from one night in autumn 2022, are lower than pre-Covid levels in 2019 as during the pandemic homelessness numbers dropped as a result of the ‘Everyone In’ policy of temporarily housing those sleeping rough in self-contained accommodation
The figures also reveal that in the South East in 2021, there were 445 rough sleepers and in 2022 this figure is 572, a rise of 29%.
Reading is the second highest area in the South East for rough sleepers which has risen since the previous count.
Commenting on the figures, Su Hamblyn, CEO of Launchpad, said: “This rise in homelessness following a short period of decline is disappointing.
“The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating effect on the most vulnerable in our society, who are having to choose between paying rent, utility bills or food, thanks to the exponential price rises.
“Our drop-in services are seeing more people who have never been in this position before, and never faced the prospect of losing their home.
“We are working tirelessly to prevent homelessness in Reading through our drop-in sessions, ensuring our accommodation is fully utilised as well as engaging clients at Launchpad 135 where we can support people to rebuild their lives.
“All this work is delivered by a fantastic staff and volunteer team who go above and beyond to improve the outcomes for the people we support.
“Launchpad 135 is a community hub which is free. We take referrals from other organisations as well as self-referrals. We provide work readiness skills such as CV development, interview techniques and job search assistance – all vital services at this time.
“We also work in partnership with Reading Welfare Rights, who are on site every Friday to support people to maximise their income. All activities are aimed at helping people to live positive, independent lives.”
Launchpad supports individuals, couples and families in Reading who don’t have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home. Last year we supported 1,129 people.
Please visit our donate page if you would like to support our work and help some of Reading’s most vulnerable people.