Greater Manchester single night rough sleeping sees slight increase as financial pressures continue

• Number of people seen sleeping rough on a single night in Greater Manchester increases 3.4% to 154 in Autumn 2024 from 149 in 2023, remaining almost half of the 268 seen at the peak in 2017 

• Percentage increase less than the 20% increase seen nationally for the same time period 

• Vital A Bed Every Night (ABEN) scheme to increase available bed spaces across the region from 550 to over 600 from April 2025 

• Collaboration between GMCA, public services, local authorities and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector key to sustaining progress 

• Greater Manchester leaders call for long-term investment in housing and support services to end rough sleeping for good 

Official figures released this week (Thursday 27 February) show that Greater Manchester’s continued efforts to tackle rough sleeping in the city-region are making a real difference - despite ongoing financial pressures on local authorities and services. 

The latest data from the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) records 154 people sleeping rough on a single night in Autumn 2024, up from 149 in 2023 but still a significant 42% drop from the 268 people counted in 2017. 

This equates to around a 3% increase on the previous year’s figures. In comparison, the national figures show a 20% increase in people seen sleeping rough in the same time period.  

Additional data published as part of the Ending Rough Sleeping for Good Data Framework shows that progress has also been made over the past 12 months. In December 2024, 335 people were recorded sleeping rough across Greater Manchester over the course of the month. This is a 23% reduction from the 439 recorded in December 2023. 

Our sustained effort in addressing rough sleeping is testament to the collaboration between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSFE) partners, and public services which continues to deliver results despite continued pressures on local services. 

A Bed Every Night (ABEN) remains a key component of Greater Manchester’s approach and will see an increase in bed spaces from 550 to over 600 in 2025/26. This expansion is crucial in providing immediate off-the-streets accommodation for those in need. Furthermore, Greater Manchester has secured £47 million in government funding including a £24.8 million in Homelessness Prevention Grant to tackle homelessness over the next financial year, ensuring vital support continues across the city-region. 

However, leaders in Greater Manchester are clear that more needs to be done as challenges remain.  

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Greater Manchester is proving that we can address rough sleeping through partnership, investment, and the right support. 

“The truth of the matter is that the grip of the housing crisis is still tightening every year across our city-region. Our own research in Greater Manchester shows that we're spending at least £75 million every year on renting temporary accommodation across the city-region, and we only get 42% of that back via housing benefit. 

“The only solution we have to fix this shortfall is by building a supply of truly affordable, social and council housing. Our Housing First approach provides a good, safe home for those who need it. Paired with wraparound support services and the funding we’ve received from this government into social housing, Greater Manchester’s shown that a preventative approach works. 

“We want to ease the financial strain on our local authorities and most importantly give our residents what they need: a healthy home for all by 2038.” 

Factors such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and evictions from the asylum system continue to place a significant strain on services and leaves more people at risk of homelessness. 

To address these challenges, Greater Manchester is reinforcing its commitment to becoming a Housing First city-region, ensuring that housing supply, standards, and support services align to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness. 

Paul Dennett, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Housing First, said:

“Here in Greater Manchester, we have long believed that ending rough sleeping is achievable, but only if we tackle its root causes with political leadership and long-term investment. 

“The data shows that while we have made significant progress in reducing rough sleeping since 2017, we must remain focused on addressing the underlying causes and ensuring those at risk receive the support they need. Austerity, welfare cuts, and the chronic undersupply of social housing continue to have a devastating impact on our city-region. 

“In Greater Manchester, we’ll keep fighting for a fairer system, rooted in compassion. The new government's focus on prevention is a positive step, but we need long-term funding and support from Westminster if we are to tackle homelessness once and for all.” 

By expanding its Housing First approach and investing in prevention through the Live Well programme, the city-region aims to provide long-term solutions to homelessness.  

As the government prepares for its forthcoming spending review and a new national homelessness strategy, Greater Manchester stands ready to continue its collaborative efforts to end the need for rough sleeping once and for all. 

Article Published: 28/02/2025 11:39 AM