Homelessness Funding Welcomed, But Charities Call for Long-Term Strategy

Tens of millions of pounds have been allocated towards rough sleeping prevention and support for record numbers of families in temporary accommodation. However, charities in the sector have warned that this funding must be part of a wider package as part of a long-awaited homelessness strategy promised by the Government. Housing Secretary Steve Reed has branded homelessness a "moral stain on our society" as the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government announced £84 million in funding for homelessness this winter. The Government figures show the number of households in temporary accommodation in England has climbed to a new record high of 131,140 at the end of March 2025, with the number of children in temporary accommodation standing at 169,050, up year on year from 151,540 and also the highest since records began in 1998.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government announced £84 million in funding for homelessness this winter, including £70 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant and £11 million to support 61 areas with the highest numbers of children in temporary accommodation.
• The number of households in temporary accommodation in England has climbed to a new record high of 131,140 at the end of March 2025, with the number of children in temporary accommodation standing at 169,050, up year on year from 151,540.
• Deaths among homeless people in the UK have risen by 9% in a year, with 11 children included in the count.
• Charities have warned that the funding is "much-needed" but must be followed by a clear and comprehensive strategy from the Government setting out how they are going to address the homelessness crisis.
• Over 80 councils will share £3 million extra to go towards lifesaving support for rough sleepers with drug or alcohol-related issues, while £200,000 will go towards facilities such as night shelters.
• The Government has already invested almost £1 billion to tackle homelessness this year.

Statistics:

• £84 million allocated to homelessness funding this winter
• £70 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant
• £11 million to support 61 areas with the highest numbers of children in temporary accommodation
• 131,140 households in temporary accommodation in England at the end of March 2025
• 169,050 children in temporary accommodation in March, up year on year from 151,540
• 9% rise in deaths among homeless people in the UK in a year
• 11 children among the count of deaths among homeless people
• 62 local authorities to receive flexible funding for rough sleeping prevention and recovery

Sources:

• Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
• St Mungo's Homelessness Charity
• Big Issue
• Crisis