New statistics show a 10% rise in people seen sleeping rough in London in the last year. The all-age figure now stands at 13,231 – which includes 1,411 young people aged 25 and under.

The number of young people sleeping on the capital’s streets has increased from 1,139 young people in 2023/24 to 1,411 in the last year. When compared to 2019 figures, the number of young people sleeping rough has increased by more than two thirds.

This data is derived from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), a multi-agency database funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), records information about rough sleepers and the wider street population in London.

Lisa Doyle, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Centrepoint, said: “At the heart of these figures are some of London’s most vulnerable young people. No one should have to face this, let alone young people who are at more risk of harm and exploitation while on the streets than other groups.

“It’s clear the Mayor wants to tackle the rough sleeping crisis that is sweeping the capital, and its action plan provides a solid foundation – but these increases show City Hall and London boroughs, like local authorities across the country, urgently needs the support of central government.

“Ministers are making the right noises when it comes to homelessness and some money has been made available to both prevent and support those in crisis – but the government must act quickly to get a grip of this crisis because the scale of these numbers continue to be a national scandal.”