Posted01.07.25
Annual CHAIN Report 2024/25
Annual CHAIN Report 2024/25
Key Insights and Statistics
The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) has published its annual report for April 2024 to March 2025. Over this period, outreach teams recorded a total of 13,231 people sleeping rough in London. This marks a significant 10% increase compared to last year’s total of 11,993, and a dramatic 63% rise from a decade ago, when 8,096 rough sleepers were counted in 2015/16.
Looking more closely at the data, 8,396 people were seen rough sleeping for the first time in London during this year, making up the largest group and increasing by 5% compared to last year. Meanwhile, 3,028 individuals had also been recorded as rough sleepers in the previous year, and this group saw a 27% increase—the biggest proportional rise among all groups. Additionally, 1,807 people returned to rough sleeping after being away for at least a year, which is 11% more than the previous year. All three groups—new rough sleepers, those seen in both years, and returners—showed increases in 2024/25.
Data Breakdown: Who Is Sleeping Rough?
The report also highlights important demographic trends. People from countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australasia continued to make up a larger share of the rough sleeping population (30%) than those from Europe (excluding the UK), who accounted for 22%. UK nationals remained the largest group overall, representing 47% of individuals seen rough sleeping. Romanians, despite a decrease in their numbers, were still the single biggest non-UK nationality, making up 7% of all rough sleepers.
Most rough sleepers were male (83%) and aged between 26 and 55 (77%). 11% were aged 25 or under—a slight increase from the 10% recorded last year—while 12% were over 55, the same proportion as in 2023/24. 18% of new rough sleepers had recently left asylum support accommodation, continuing a trend from last year.
Mental health was the most common support need among rough sleepers, affecting 50% of those seen. Drug-related support needs were identified in 31% of people, and alcohol-related needs in 28%. Additionally, 26% of rough sleepers had spent time in prison.
Borough-by-Borough: Where Are People Sleeping Rough?
Westminster reported the highest number of rough sleepers, with 2,612 people—20% of the total. Nine boroughs recorded more than 500 rough sleepers during the year, and 24 out of London’s 33 boroughs saw increases in rough sleeping compared to last year. In the boroughs we work in, Croydon had 469 people sleeping rough, Lambeth had 483 (a 29% decrease from last year), and Kensington & Chelsea had 218. Additionally, 86 people were recorded sleeping rough on buses, and 5 on the London Underground.
These figures underline the scale, diversity, and complexity of rough sleeping in London, and highlight the ongoing need for support and solutions for those affected. To support our work you can donate here.
