A new report warns that without significant policy changes, homelessness in England could rise by 50,000 people, reaching over 230,000 by 2030.
London, United Kingdom Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Andy Burnham has been alerted to a concerning forecast indicating that an additional 50,000 individuals in England may face homelessness within the next four years unless a bold "housing first" strategy is implemented by the government. The alarming statistics and projections underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the growing crisis of homelessness.
The incoming prime minister's leadership team has received briefings on projections set to be released on Monday, which predict that the current record levels of homelessness could increase by 25% by 2030, surpassing 230,000 individuals. This anticipated rise in homelessness is attributed to a combination of factors, including economic instability, rising housing costs, and insufficient support systems for vulnerable populations.
Burnham has pledged to initiate the "largest council housebuilding programme since the postwar era" if he assumes the role of prime minister, expected on July 20. His commitment reflects a growing recognition of the need for long-term solutions to housing shortages. He has expressed a desire to see a significant reduction in the number of people sleeping rough shortly after taking office, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Official statistics reveal that the number of individuals sleeping on the streets in England reached a record high of 4,793 last summer, although this figure is likely an underestimate. When factoring in those residing in hostels and other temporary accommodations, the total homeless population currently exceeds 180,000 in England. This broad definition of homelessness highlights the various forms that homelessness can take, from rough sleeping to living in precarious situations without a stable home.
A report scheduled for release on Monday by the think tank IPPR North and the charity Crisis warns that without decisive action, the rate of homelessness in England could rise by 25%, equating to approximately 50,000 additional individuals by 2030. The report highlights that the number of people owed a homelessness duty by local authorities is projected to increase from 182,540 last year to 231,299 by 2029-30. This projection underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness.
Burnham was expected to write the foreword for this report and deliver a speech at its launch; however, these plans were postponed following his announcement to run for the Makerfield byelection in May. His involvement in addressing homelessness has drawn attention to the pressing nature of the crisis, and his leadership may play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and initiatives.
Zoë Billingham, the director of IPPR North, has reportedly been advising Burnham in recent weeks and is anticipated to be offered a position in his government. This collaboration between think tanks and government officials is essential for developing evidence-based strategies that can effectively tackle the complex issue of homelessness.
The analysis from IPPR North and Crisis advocates for a nationwide expansion of Burnham's "A Bed Every Night" initiative, which aims to provide a bed and personalized support for every individual at risk of sleeping rough in Greater Manchester. This initiative has garnered praise for its innovative approach to addressing homelessness and could serve as a model for similar programs across the country.
The report also emphasizes the need for urgent assistance to local councils to rehabilitate long-term vacant homes, thereby reducing reliance on costly and inadequate temporary housing. Many local authorities are struggling to manage their housing responsibilities effectively, and the financial pressures they face are exacerbated by the rising costs associated with temporary accommodations.
It warns that councils are being pushed closer to financial ruin as billions are funneled into expensive, ineffective temporary accommodations, such as hostels and bed-and-breakfasts, which often come with high nightly rates. This system fails to provide stability or a genuine pathway out of homelessness. The reliance on temporary housing solutions not only strains local budgets but also fails to address the root causes of homelessness, including the lack of affordable housing options.
Homelessness rates in Britain have surged to unprecedented levels in recent years, primarily due to a critical shortage of social and affordable housing, particularly in London, where housing allowances have not kept pace with soaring rental costs. The gap between wages and housing costs continues to widen, leaving many individuals and families vulnerable to homelessness.
Last year, the UK government allocated £3.8 billion to address homelessness, more than double the amount spent in 2010, according to the Institute for Government think tank. The majority of these funds are directed towards temporary housing solutions. In 2009-10, councils in England spent £70.3 million on temporary accommodations; by 2024-25, this expenditure is projected to exceed £1.3 billion. This dramatic increase highlights the growing reliance on temporary solutions rather than long-term strategies that could effectively reduce homelessness.
Keir Starmer's government has committed to addressing the issue by constructing 1.5 million homes, including a significant increase in new social and affordable housing, by August 2029. This ambitious target reflects a recognition of the pressing need for more housing options and the importance of investing in sustainable solutions to homelessness.
Matt Downie, the chief executive of Crisis, remarked that it would be "madness" for ministers to continue spending billions on a system that perpetuates homelessness and yields poor outcomes for affected individuals. He expressed confidence that Burnham understands the gravity of the situation and intends to prioritize it as he did during his initial term as mayor of Greater Manchester. The emphasis on data-driven policies and a commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness are crucial for creating lasting change.
Downie stated, "I’ve never seen anyone on the brink of becoming prime minister discuss homelessness with such depth of knowledge about how it can and should be addressed. This presents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity for the country to follow a leader with a genuine sense of purpose and a data-driven approach to tackling this issue." This perspective underscores the potential for transformative change in how homelessness is approached and managed in the UK.
To learn more about the latest developments in Society & Social Issues, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AiLensNews.
