File photo for reference only

 

The UK recorded a grim milestone in 2024 with the deaths of 1,611 homeless individuals, marking a record high. This 9% increase from the previous year reveals the severe impact of issues like drug use and mental health crises. The Museum of Homelessness, which compiles these figures, highlights the deep systemic failings in tackling homelessness.

 

Data gathered from coroner's courts and other sources indicates the government's lack of official statistics on these deaths. Among the tragic cases is Anthony Marks, 51, who succumbed to his injuries after being assaulted near King's Cross. The incident underscores growing concerns about the dangers faced by homeless people and the inefficiencies in support systems.

 

Amidst these alarming statistics, Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern expressed the government's intention to address the root causes of homelessness. Tim Renshaw of the Archer Project stresses the connection between homelessness and health issues, exacerbated by increasing poverty. The lack of available housing and social support is evident as homelessness and rough sleeping figures soar.

 

In Sheffield, three homeless women died within a span of 10 days, illustrating the dire conditions. One such individual was buried without mourners, highlighting both the isolation faced by the homeless and failures in tracking and supporting those in need. The Museum of Homelessness continues to advocate for urgent actions, as it remains the only organisation compiling these statistics since the Office for National Statistics ceased.

 

The future looks uncertain as experts call for decisive government policies. Although Labour’s promise to build 180,000 homes over the next decade is welcomed, many feel consistent funding is still missing. Homelessness Minister McGovern emphasised the need to expand safe accommodations and strengthen support services.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• UK homeless deaths in 2024 reached a record 1,611, up 9% from 2023.
• Drug use, mental health, and increasing poverty are significant factors.
• Calls intensify for government action and consistent funding solutions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-08

 

 

 

 

Watched a report....to be fair sometime ago......and one of the biggest problems was claimed to be getting the homeless into accommodation that was readily available.

 

Now that begs the question....how bad/dangerous was that accommodation that they would prefer to survive on the street instead?

 

Finland seems to lead they way with "Housing First"....but bearing in mind their winters I imagine the take up is a matter of life and death for 10 months of the year.

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The UK recorded a grim milestone in 2024 with the deaths of 1,611 homeless individuals, marking a record high.

 

Meanwhile...

 

More than 32,000 migrants living in hotels as Home Office reveals £4.76 billion asylum cost | The Standard

 

50 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Meanwhile...

 

More than 32,000 migrants living in hotels as Home Office reveals £4.76 billion asylum cost | The Standard

 

Straight to blaming immigrants.

 

Maybe over 14 years of failed housing policy, cuts to welfare and social services, cuts to mental health funding and slashing local authority funding has something to do with the shocking rise of homelessness in the UK.

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Maybe over 14 years of failed housing policy, cuts to welfare and social services, cuts to mental health funding and slashing local authority funding has something to do with the shocking rise of homelessness in the UK.

       The  above may well have some bearing on the current situation, cutting funding rarely helps matters , But in light of the funding cuts, It is somewhat astonishing that you cannot grasp the concept that importing thousands of people who have nowhere to live is a major contributory factor to the homelessness issue.

       I didn't know there was a minister just for this, anyway she has obviously achieved nothing and should be sacked or transferred to a more becoming senior position where she could really do some damage whilst maintaining  the female quota in the cabinet which appears to be the basis on which women are selected for these "jobs"

18 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Straight to blaming immigrants.

 

Maybe over 14 years of failed housing policy, cuts to welfare and social services, cuts to mental health funding and slashing local authority funding has something to do with the shocking rise of homelessness in the UK.

 

Given there has been a housing shortage for years, a lack of school places, a lack of hospital beds and badly lacking public services, do you think it is a good idea to import millions of people?

 

Even Starmer has acknowledged the problems it is causing.

 

PM remarks at Immigration White Paper press conference: 12 May 2025 - GOV.UK

 

 

 

I expect AN members to seek the problem of insufficient housing has to do with illegal migrants.

Of course there's no connection.

54 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I expect AN members to seek the problem of insufficient housing has to do with illegal migrants.

Of course there's no connection.

 

If you can't see the connection between immigration causing the population to increase by millions in only a few years, and that country subsequently having insufficient houses for the population, then I think Labour might be the perfect party for you. 😄

 

20 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Meanwhile...

 

More than 32,000 migrants living in hotels as Home Office reveals £4.76 billion asylum cost | The Standard

 

Unbelievable that anyone could thumb down this comment . They managed to put  the UK homeless in hotels through the pandemic but then threw them out on the streets once restrictions were lifted . No protests nothing! But then bring in 100’s of thousands of non documented adult men with a questionable attitude towards western culture and there’s loads of money and hotel accommodation. Can someone please make it make sense??? And who are you utter fools who think this is ok ….the UK is losing the plot 

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

I expect AN members to seek the problem of insufficient housing has to do with illegal migrants.

Of course there's no connection.

Maths and common sense obviously isn’t your forte 

36 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

If you can't see the connection between immigration causing the population to increase by millions in only a few years, and that country subsequently having insufficient houses for the population, then I think Labour might be the perfect party for you. 😄

 

I think every party that has been in power over the last 40+ years have been useless on housing in the UK - from selling off council houses to prioritising degrees (downplaying the importance of manual skills).  I don't trust Labour to fix it, but then again I don't trust any of them.  Starmer talking about encouraging more apprenticeships, which includes relevant building skills, is great, but I'll believe it when I see the results and it'll take 10+ years to get more skilled British manual workers in the economy to start making a difference.

6 minutes ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

Unbelievable that anyone could thumb down this comment . They managed to put  the UK homeless in hotels through the pandemic but then threw them out on the streets once restrictions were lifted . No protests nothing! But then bring in 100’s of thousands of non documented adult men with a questionable attitude towards western culture and there’s loads of money and hotel accommodation. Can someone please make it make sense??? And who are you utter fools who think this is ok ….the UK is losing the plot 

I clicked 'agree', but I think the tense is past rather than present.  The plot was lost ages ago.

10 minutes ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

Maths and common sense obviously isn’t your forte 

Next time in a restaurant please order"Brain"

52 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

If you can't see the connection between immigration causing the population to increase by millions in only a few years, and that country subsequently having insufficient houses for the population, then I think Labour might be the perfect party for you. 😄

 

Obviously you do have difficulties to understand the article. Maybe you ask your Mommy?

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Next time in a restaurant please order"Brain"

I wouldn’t order yours , it would prob get lost in with the garden peas 

1 minute ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

I wouldn’t order yours , it would prob get lost in with the garden peas 

Lame and incoherent reply. You're strongly advised to stay with my recommendation.

19 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Lame and incoherent reply. You're strongly advised to stay with my recommendation.

Obviously you do have difficulties understanding the art of bantering and taking the piss which is a great British (and others) pastime. Maybe ask your Daddy for help . 

11 minutes ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

Obviously you do have difficulties understanding the art of bantering and taking the piss which is a great British (and others) pastime. Maybe ask your Daddy for help . 

You disqualified yourself for further communication. 

1 hour ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

Unbelievable that anyone could thumb down this comment . They managed to put  the UK homeless in hotels through the pandemic but then threw them out on the streets once restrictions were lifted . No protests nothing! But then bring in 100’s of thousands of non documented adult men with a questionable attitude towards western culture and there’s loads of money and hotel accommodation. Can someone please make it make sense??? And who are you utter fools who think this is ok ….the UK is losing the plot 

The government openly discriminates again white Anglo and Celtic Britons in favor of illegal migrates and "asylum seekers."

For the white Anglo/Celtic Britons - The street and no support.  Maybe a government pauper grave.
For illegal migrants and "asylum seekers" - Fancy hotels, front-of-the-line health care, and stipends.

Homelessness is a scourge of modern society. There are apparently over 1 billion homeless globally. 
In poor countries usually due to ongoing strife and conflict.
In OECD countries, is often drugs and/or mental health issues. There are 700,000 homeless in New York.
Japan has a relatively low rate compared to other leading economies while South East Asia has mercifully low numbers.
Family bonds help alleviate to a large degree and glad to live in Thailand. 

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Next time in a restaurant please order"Brain"

I quite like sheep brains crumbed.

2 hours ago, connda said:

The government openly discriminates again white Anglo and Celtic Britons Anglo and Celtic Britons in favor of illegal migrates and "asylum seekers."

For the white Anglo/Celtic Britons - The street and no support.  Maybe a government pauper grave.
For illegal migrants and "asylum seekers" - Fancy hotels, front-of-the-line health care, and stipends.

 

Really? How many pure-blood white Anglo and Celtic Britons do you think there are in the UK? What specific laws openly discriminates against these groups? What about the descendants of Romans, Vikings and Normans? (I'd hazard a guess that you're not bothered about any discrimination against the descendants of the Windrush generation and other non-White immigrant groups?)

On 10/9/2025 at 10:19 AM, goldenbrwn1 said:

Unbelievable that anyone could thumb down this comment . They managed to put  the UK homeless in hotels through the pandemic but then threw them out on the streets once restrictions were lifted . No protests nothing! But then bring in 100’s of thousands of non documented adult men with a questionable attitude towards western culture and there’s loads of money and hotel accommodation. Can someone please make it make sense??? And who are you utter fools who think this is ok ….the UK is losing the plot 

Which government did that I wonder?