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Empty homes and rough sleepers: the numbers Empty homes and rough sleepers: the numbers
(6 months later)
The most recent government statistics on vacant dwellings, from October 2014, show that there are 610,123 empty homes in England.The most recent government statistics on vacant dwellings, from October 2014, show that there are 610,123 empty homes in England.
Greater Manchester recorded 34,724 vacant properties. In London’s 33 boroughs, there are 56,715 vacant properties.Greater Manchester recorded 34,724 vacant properties. In London’s 33 boroughs, there are 56,715 vacant properties.
Of the total number of empty homes in England, 205,821 are classed as long-term vacant properties, defined as being unoccupied or unfurnished for a period longer than two years. Some 20,795 are in London.Of the total number of empty homes in England, 205,821 are classed as long-term vacant properties, defined as being unoccupied or unfurnished for a period longer than two years. Some 20,795 are in London.
In Scotland, the latest government figures from September 2015 show there are 27,317 second homes, 44,056 unoccupied properties exempt from council tax and 36,419 long-term empty properties. In contrast to England, the Scottish government defines property as long-term empty when it has been unoccupied for more than six months.In Scotland, the latest government figures from September 2015 show there are 27,317 second homes, 44,056 unoccupied properties exempt from council tax and 36,419 long-term empty properties. In contrast to England, the Scottish government defines property as long-term empty when it has been unoccupied for more than six months.
Homeless peopleHomeless people
The government’s most recent rough sleeping statistics report 3,569 people sleeping on the streets in England in autumn 2015, up 825 (30%) from the total of 2,744 in autumn 2014. A quarter – 940 people – were living in the capital.The government’s most recent rough sleeping statistics report 3,569 people sleeping on the streets in England in autumn 2015, up 825 (30%) from the total of 2,744 in autumn 2014. A quarter – 940 people – were living in the capital.
In addition, 14,670 households in England were classed as statutorily homeless, living in either temporary accommodation provided by local authorities, with no permanent address, as of September 2015 – up 4% on the previous year.In addition, 14,670 households in England were classed as statutorily homeless, living in either temporary accommodation provided by local authorities, with no permanent address, as of September 2015 – up 4% on the previous year.
Related: Britain's rough sleepers are only the tip of the homelessness iceberg
The Scottish government reported 8,779 homeless applications to local authorities in the same period.The Scottish government reported 8,779 homeless applications to local authorities in the same period.
According to figures from the charity Crisis, in 2013–14 1,787 of those who went to their local authority for homelessness assistance reported that they had slept rough the previous night.According to figures from the charity Crisis, in 2013–14 1,787 of those who went to their local authority for homelessness assistance reported that they had slept rough the previous night.
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• On Thursday, 10 March, the Guardian will be liveblogging the homelessness crisis through the night, following people as they attempt to bed down around the country. If you have suggestions on what we should cover email mark.rice-oxley@theguardian.com• On Thursday, 10 March, the Guardian will be liveblogging the homelessness crisis through the night, following people as they attempt to bed down around the country. If you have suggestions on what we should cover email mark.rice-oxley@theguardian.com