Almost 300,000 households across England are enduring the harshest forms of homelessness, according to a new report by the charity Crisis.
The findings reveal that 299,100 families and individuals were affected in 2024, marking a 21% rise since 2022 and a 45% increase compared to 2012.
The landmark study highlights that thousands are sleeping rough, staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as nightly paid B&Bs or hostels, or living in unsafe conditions like tents, cars, and squats.
Local councils have reported a surge in homelessness-related cases, with 70% saying they have seen an increase in people seeking help over the past year. Authorities spent £732 million on emergency accommodation in 2023–24 and an estimated £2.7 billion on temporary housing in 2024–25.
Crisis has urged the UK Government to act immediately on its long-promised national homelessness strategy. The charity is calling for urgent action to increase the supply of social housing, restore housing benefit to meet actual rent levels, and close the growing gaps in support services.
A spokesperson for Crisis said the findings should serve as a wake-up call, warning that the lack of affordable housing and insufficient welfare support are driving more people into homelessness each year.
The charity emphasised that only a coordinated national approach — including investment in long-term, affordable housing — can reverse the rising trend and offer stability to families trapped in a cycle of temporary living.
