The number of homeless people who died in the UK in 2024 has reached a record high of 1,611, marking a 9% increase from the previous year, according to new figures compiled by the Museum of Homelessness. This figure is deeply concerning, highlighting the ongoing failure to protect society's most vulnerable from a crisis that cuts across health, housing, and social support systems. The majority of these deaths were linked to suicide and drug use, with substances like spice and nitazines becoming increasingly deadly.

Among the victims was Anthony Marks, a 51-year-old man assaulted while sheltering in a bin shed near London’s King’s Cross station. He died weeks later after subsequent hospital admissions, with four people charged in connection to his death. The data reflects broader trends of escalating poverty and inadequate health and housing support for homeless individuals. Matthew Turtle, director of the Museum of Homelessness, described the deaths as a stark illustration of systemic failure, while homelessness charities emphasise the urgent need for better housing availability and mental health support.

Of the total deaths, three-quarters were men, and two-thirds occurred among people living in temporary or supported accommodation rather than on the streets, where 169 rough sleepers died. Eleven children were among the fatalities, a figure experts suggest is likely underreported. England accounted for 1,142 deaths, a 16% increase compared to the previous year, with London reporting the highest total numbers. Some areas saw dramatic rises: Nottingham’s homeless deaths doubled to 22, and Exeter more than doubled from 8 to 21. Northern Ireland experienced a 35% increase in deaths to 211, while Scotland bucked the trend with an 18% reduction, including notable decreases of around 40% in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Wales saw a slight annual drop from 97 to 90 deaths.

These findings come at a time when homelessness in the UK is at record levels, with temporary accommodation usage soaring and rough sleeping in England increasing by 20% to nearly 4,700 people. Experts working with homeless populations express frustration at the lack of significant policy changes despite a change in government. While Labour has pledged to build 180,000 social rent homes over the next decade, critics say consistent multi-year funding and leadership remain insufficient, especially in light of the worst homelessness crisis the country has faced.

The government’s response acknowledges the severity of the situation, with Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern calling the figures "heartbreaking" and emphasising efforts to expand access to safe accommodation and strengthen support services. McGovern stated, "Every loss of a life, especially the death of a child, is an abject failure that cannot be tolerated," underscoring the urgent need to address the root causes of homelessness.

The Museum of Homelessness compiles its data from coroners' courts, media reports, family testimonies, and Freedom of Information requests, a methodology they say is the only comprehensive resource since official government statistics ceased in 2022. The rise in deaths correlates with broader societal challenges, including mental health crises, substance abuse, and deepening poverty, all compounded by the housing crisis.

In Sheffield, a particularly harrowing example involved the deaths of three homeless women within ten days in November 2024, reminding communities of the human faces behind the statistics. One woman’s funeral was attended by no one, partly because she was known to services under a different name, highlighting gaps in social support and connection.

With homelessness deaths rising sharply and the numbers of people living in precarious circumstances increasing, the latest figures lay bare a national emergency demanding urgent, coordinated government action. The consistent increase year on year contrasts sharply with the reductions seen in Scotland, suggesting that policy approaches there may hold lessons for addressing this tragic trend elsewhere in the UK.

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Source: Noah Wire Services