London rough sleeping figures fall but Westminster sees highest numbers

Figures released by the Greater London Authority’s Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) show that 12,938 people were seen sleeping rough on London's streets in 2025/26. This represents a decrease from the 13,231 recorded in 2024/25. However, the number remains significantly higher than the 8,329 reported in 2021/22, indicating ongoing challenges for the city.

Westminster faces highest rough sleeping numbers

Westminster recorded the highest number of rough sleepers in London in 2025/26, with 2,583 individuals identified within the local authority area. This figure is substantially higher than Camden, which had the next-highest number with 974 rough sleepers during the same period. Councils across the capital are reportedly increasing their spending in attempts to reduce these figures.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a commitment of £442 million to support efforts to end rough sleeping. A government press release stated this funding is the first major milestone in the Prime Minister’s pledge to provide a route off the streets for those in need this winter. Mr Burnham expressed his determination to address the issue, stating, “No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it. I won’t accept it.”

Charities provide essential support

Organisations such as People In Need Today (PINT) are active in Central London and across the capital, providing essential items and support to homeless individuals. Founded in 2006 by Cee Star, PINT conducts outreach sessions, including distributing food from Charing Cross towards Goodge Street on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Mr Star, who has supported homeless people since 2006, noted that many individuals encountered during outreach are familiar faces.

Harry Leeds, Operations Manager at PINT, highlighted the increasing need for warm clothing as the weather turns colder. Items such as socks, base layers, jumpers, jackets, hats, and gloves are particularly sought after. He also stressed that homelessness is a complex issue, with individuals facing a variety of circumstances, including job loss, trafficking, trauma, mental health issues, and domestic abuse. Mr Leeds emphasised that people experiencing homelessness are often victims of unforeseen and uncontrollable events, stating, “It really could be anyone. You know, in three months, God forbid, but anyone could be on the street.”

Mr Star also pointed to a lack of adequate infrastructure to support individuals sleeping rough. He suggested that while accommodation is important, additional assistance is needed for those lacking digital skills or facing specific challenges, to ensure they can successfully transition off the streets.