‘WORRYING’ new Government statistics show rough sleeping in Warwickshire rose by 50 per cent in a year, almost twice the national average – and doubled in Rugby.
The data showed there were 24 people counted sleeping rough across the county in a single night last autumn, up from 16 the previous year.
Six of them were counted in Rugby – twice the amount in 2021.
The figure also nearly doubled in Warwick District – up from 6 to 11 – and four were counted in Stratford, one more than the previous year.
The statistics were collected as part of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England for 2022.
Homelessness charity Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire said the sharp rise was of great concern, especially when compared to the overall increase of 26 per cent across England.
Julian Price, Chief Executive of Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire.
Chief Executive Julian Price said: “The figures are worrying and show that this is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
“We strongly believe that these figures are also just the tip of the iceberg. Homelessness is all around us and so much of it isn’t visible.
“With the cost-of-living crisis deepening, we know that so many people are living in unsecure or unsuitable accommodation, are having to sofa-surf or are doing whatever they can to stay warm and dry over the winter months.”
Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire provides a home, support and meaningful work for up to 17 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
Visit www.emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire or call 024 7665 1094 for more information on the charity.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/u5rpe5t6 to see the Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England for 2022 statistics in full.
