The United Kingdom is facing a deepening crisis as new reports reveal a sharp rise in deaths among people experiencing homelessness, with local councils scrambling to find solutions amid mounting pressures on the housing system. In 2024, at least 1,611 people died while homeless across the UK—a staggering 9% increase from the previous year, according to data compiled by the Museum of Homelessness. This marks the highest number recorded since the organization began its Dying Homeless Project in 2019, drawing on freedom of information requests, coroner inquests, and memorials submitted by grieving families.
Yorkshire, in particular, saw 90 homeless deaths last year, a figure that underscores the regional impact of a national emergency. Brighton and Hove, meanwhile, witnessed 36 homeless deaths in 2024, matching the previous year but down from 43 in 2022, as reported by the Museum of Homelessness. The persistence of such numbers in individual communities reflects the broader, systemic challenges facing the country.
Perhaps most distressing is the toll on children. The Museum of Homelessness found that 11 children under the age of 18 died while homeless in 2024. Of these, four were babies who had not yet reached their first birthday. Another four were aged between one and nine, two were between 15 and 17, and one child’s age was not recorded. The organization cautioned that these numbers likely underrepresent the true scale of child deaths, as some local authorities only record fatalities when the person who applied for homelessness assistance dies, rather than accounting for all family members. The number of child deaths rose from just four in 2023, highlighting a deeply troubling trend.
The roots of the crisis are complex and multifaceted. While rough sleeping is the most visible manifestation of homelessness, the vast majority of those affected are living in temporary accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, hostels, or other short-term housing provided by local authorities. According to the latest government figures, the number of households in temporary accommodation in England reached a record high of 131,140 at the end of March 2025, as reported by BBC Sussex. The number of children in such accommodations stood at 169,050—also the highest since records began in 1998, and up year on year from 151,540. These figures paint a stark picture of families struggling to find stable and secure housing.
Temporary accommodation itself has come under scrutiny as a possible contributing factor in many deaths. A January report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Households in Temporary Accommodation documented 74 child deaths in recent years in England where temporary accommodation was cited as a factor in their vulnerability, ill-health, or death. Fifty-eight of these children were under one year old. In each of these cases, the instability and poor conditions often associated with temporary housing were listed as contributing to the tragic outcomes.
Drug and alcohol misuse also play a significant role in the mortality rate among homeless populations. The Museum of Homelessness found that 44% of all deaths in their data were related to drugs and alcohol, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive support services alongside housing interventions.
Regional disparities in homeless deaths reveal another layer to the crisis. Of the 1,611 deaths recorded in 2024, there were 1,142 in England, 211 in Northern Ireland, 168 in Scotland, and 90 in Wales. While Scotland and Wales saw year-on-year declines, both Northern Ireland and England experienced increases, with England bearing the brunt of the national surge.
The human stories behind these numbers are both heartbreaking and galvanizing. Project director Matthew Turtle of the Museum of Homelessness did not mince words: “Our data shows how homeless people continue to be deeply failed. We are calling for urgent action from the Government to alleviate this crisis.” His colleague, Gill Taylor, echoed the somber mood, stating, “With heavy hearts, we report the deaths of 1,611 people who died whilst homeless in 2024. Whilst it is positive that local authorities and safeguarding adult boards appear to be taking the issue more seriously, with better reporting and evidence of improved local partnership working to prevent deaths, turning the tide on this enormous loss of life needs more than better counting. We remember with love all those who died and continue our work in solidarity with bereaved loved ones and the homeless community.”
On the ground, the pressures are palpable. Kate Moss, from the Devon and Cornwall-based charity Harbour Housing, described a dramatic increase in demand for support: “I would say around three times as many people came to us last year, presenting as homeless and needing support.” She pointed out that while tourism is vital for the local economy, it can exacerbate homelessness by reducing the availability of long-term housing for local residents. “A lot of people want to come here on holiday, we do rely largely on tourism, especially in the summer months. That means that there is a proportion of accommodation here that is utilised for tourism and holidays, rather than for local people who need homes.”
In response to these mounting challenges, some local councils are stepping up with ambitious plans. Brighton & Hove City Council recently proposed a £10 million investment to purchase up to 200 temporary homes, aiming to place “vulnerable families at the heart of its housing strategy,” according to council statements reported by BBC Sussex. The plan also involves repurposing existing council assets, such as the Slipper Baths and the South Downs Riding School, for housing purposes.
The council’s approach is designed to offer “greater flexibility than secure tenancies” for families in transition, preparing them for long-term renting. No new eligibility criteria will be introduced; instead, the council will prioritize families most in need. Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing and new homes, emphasized the broader goal: “By investing £10m in homes, we are restoring dignity and giving families a pathway to secure housing.” Council deputy leader Jacob Taylor added, “The pressure on housing is immense and we need to think differently.”
While the Brighton & Hove initiative is still awaiting cabinet approval, it reflects a growing recognition among local authorities of the need for innovative solutions. Yet, as the Museum of Homelessness and frontline charities point out, isolated efforts—however well-intentioned—are not enough to stem the tide of deaths or address the root causes of homelessness. The crisis demands coordinated national action, sustained investment, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about housing, inequality, and social support in the UK.
As the country grapples with record numbers of people in temporary accommodation and a heartbreaking rise in deaths, the call for urgent, systemic change grows ever louder. The statistics are sobering, but behind each number is a life lost and a community left to mourn. The question now is whether policymakers will heed these warnings and finally act decisively to protect the nation’s most vulnerable.
