As temperatures drop below freezing this winter, more than 100 people in Birmingham are forced to sleep rough on the streets, confronting life-threatening conditions during the festive season. New data reveals that an estimated 106 individuals were sleeping rough in Birmingham as of September, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past few years but continues to pose significant risks.
Across England, rough sleeping is at a record high for this time of year. In September alone, 9,292 people were counted sleeping rough, marking a 76 percent increase since 2021. While Birmingham’s numbers have not surged as sharply as the national average, with roughly nine rough sleepers per 100,000 residents, other major cities like Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester show much higher rates.
Francesca Albanese, Executive Director of Policy and Social Change at Crisis, warns of the severe dangers posed by freezing temperatures. “Rough sleeping is perilous year-round, but winter nights can be deadly,” she said. Albanese emphasized the urgent need for the UK Government to introduce a comprehensive homelessness strategy that prioritizes prevention, better coordination among departments, and support for those leaving institutions like prisons and hospitals.
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Demographically, rough sleepers in England are predominantly male (81%), with 78% being UK nationals. Among those counted in September, 37% have been sleeping rough long-term, while 31% are new to homelessness.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) advocates for the nationwide adoption of the Housing First model, which provides immediate and permanent housing along with integrated support services. According to CSJ research, Housing First is more than three times as effective as traditional interventions in securing and maintaining stable housing. Implementing this model could remove approximately 5,571 people from the streets by 2029/30 while generating significant cost savings for public services.
Matthew Torbitt, Senior Fellow at the CSJ, underscored the urgency of housing-led solutions: “These figures highlight our failure to adequately support people sleeping rough. A safe home combined with comprehensive care is essential to end homelessness for good. Housing First must be central to the Government’s upcoming homelessness strategy.”
As the coldest months approach, the plight of Birmingham’s rough sleepers remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals from the deadly risks of winter on the streets.