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Rough sleeping rises at appalling rate, charity says, as figures show 16% rise Rough sleeping rises at appalling rate, charity says, as figures show 16% rise
(35 minutes later)
More than 4,000 people a night have been sleeping rough on England's streets, a 16% increase on last year.More than 4,000 people a night have been sleeping rough on England's streets, a 16% increase on last year.
Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show more than than half of councils in England recorded a rise in rough sleeping compared with the year before. Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show more than half of councils in England recorded a rise in rough sleeping compared with the year before.
Outside London, the number of people on the streets rose 20%, whereas in the capital it was 3%.Outside London, the number of people on the streets rose 20%, whereas in the capital it was 3%.
The homelessness charity Crisis said it was rising at an "appalling rate".The homelessness charity Crisis said it was rising at an "appalling rate".
Jon Sparkes, its chief executive, said: "Behind these statistics are thousands of desperate people, sleeping in doorways, bin shelters, stations and parks - anywhere they can find to stay safe and escape the elements.Jon Sparkes, its chief executive, said: "Behind these statistics are thousands of desperate people, sleeping in doorways, bin shelters, stations and parks - anywhere they can find to stay safe and escape the elements.
"Rough sleeping ruins lives, leaving people vulnerable to violence and abuse, and taking a dreadful toll on their mental and physical health. Our recent research has shown how rough sleepers are 17 times more likely to be victims of violence. This is no way for anyone to live.""Rough sleeping ruins lives, leaving people vulnerable to violence and abuse, and taking a dreadful toll on their mental and physical health. Our recent research has shown how rough sleepers are 17 times more likely to be victims of violence. This is no way for anyone to live."
Official figures show rough sleeping has more than doubled since 2010, when 1,768 people were recorded.Official figures show rough sleeping has more than doubled since 2010, when 1,768 people were recorded.
About 500 rough sleepers (12%) were women while 288 (7%) were under 25 years of age. And for the first time they include details of gender, age and nationality of those seen on the streets.
There were 714 rough sleepers (17%) who were European Union nationals from outside the UK and 194 (5%) from countries outside the EU. For more stories from the BBC England Data Unit follow our Pinterest board.
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Separate statistics showed more than 114,000 households in England turned to councils for help in 2015-16 because they were losing their home.Separate statistics showed more than 114,000 households in England turned to councils for help in 2015-16 because they were losing their home.
Research by St Mungo's, the homelessness charity, found four in 10 rough sleepers had mental health problems, 41% needed help with alcohol dependency and 31% with drug abuse.Research by St Mungo's, the homelessness charity, found four in 10 rough sleepers had mental health problems, 41% needed help with alcohol dependency and 31% with drug abuse.
Mr Sparkes added: "There is no time to waste. We need the government to take action on this issue, and we stand ready to work with officials to plan and deliver an ambitious new approach.Mr Sparkes added: "There is no time to waste. We need the government to take action on this issue, and we stand ready to work with officials to plan and deliver an ambitious new approach.
"The government has already shown leadership on plans to expand homelessness prevention, and in light of today's figures, we hope they will now extend this approach to helping those on the street.""The government has already shown leadership on plans to expand homelessness prevention, and in light of today's figures, we hope they will now extend this approach to helping those on the street."
The Department for Communities and Local Government has been approached for comment.The Department for Communities and Local Government has been approached for comment.