Record numbers of people dying either on the country’s roads or in temporary accommodation. England as a whole and London in particular, the areas with the biggest problem.

Response from London

It is not difficult to realize that the cost of living has increased. He can calculate the cost of a certain product he buys at the supermarket, to the rent of the house or the bills he has to pay. For example, in the United Kingdom, according to official data, as recently as 2020, the average rental cost was just under 1000 pounds. 5 years on, this figure has risen to over £1300, which is clearly taking its toll on British citizens. Even beer, a simple good and favorite for them, has received a “dramatic” increase in its price. In 2020 the cost of a pint (568ml) was 3.8 pounds while for 2025 it exceeded 5 pounds.

This means that more and more people find it difficult to cope with even the basic needs of survival. And we come to today, the record numbers recorded in the country for people experiencing homelessness. This includes either those sleeping rough on the UK’s streets or those turning to the temporary accommodation solution.

A shameful first

An analysis by the Financial Times in May 2024 confirms the above. According to data from the OECD and the Office for National Statistics, the country tops the rankings, with 1 in 200 households living in homelessness. Behind it is Belgium and France, while it far surpasses even the United States of America.

But homeless people who lost their lives in 2024 also saw record numbers. Specifically, 1,611 people died, including children, either on the street or in temporary accommodation, a 9% higher rate than just a year ago. The museum of homelessness (Museum of Homelessness) was the one that collected the data, while its director, Matthew Turtle said that “the figures show that the homeless are constantly disappointed”, asking for “immediate action” from the government.

Most deaths are linked to either suicide or drug use, with London holding the sad lead with the highest death rate. In fact, England saw a 16% increase in deaths, while Scotland and Wales saw their rates decrease.

The government’s response and actions

The ministry’s head of homelessness, Alison McEvern, described the figures as “distressing”, while stressing that the government was “accelerating efforts to tackle the root problems that lead to homelessness”.

It is recalled that Labor had promised before the election to build 180,000 social rental homes in the next decade, while in their plans was also the granting of a billion pounds to city councils, so that they could deal with the problem.

All this at a time when the UK economy has come under the microscope of the Starmer government with the growth of the country being the major issue. Contradictory news in the British newspapers with economic growth of 0.1%, inflation at 3.8%, but also an increase in the cost of living for the British. Even if things do unravel, there doesn’t seem to be any relief coming for most, as with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget, everyone’s main concern is yet another tax hike.