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<p>MHCLG’s latest annual rough sleeping statistics are available at the following
link:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rough-sleeping-in-england-autumn-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rough-sleeping-in-england-autumn-2018</a></p><p>These
statistics provide a single night snapshot of people sleeping rough across each local
authority in England. The snapshot is taken annually by local authorities using street
counts, evidence-based estimates, and estimates informed by spotlight street counts.
Local authorities decide, in conjunction with their local partners and based on advice
from Homeless Link who verify the rough sleeping statistics collection, to use the
approach that they believe will return the most accurate figure to assess the extent
of people sleeping rough in their local area.</p><p>The methodology used has been
in place since 2010 when it was developed after consultation with local authorities
and the voluntary sector with the objective of strengthening the accuracy of the figures.
Prior to 2010, there was no requirement for all local authorities to carry out a count
or estimate to make an assessment of the number of people sleeping rough in their
local area.</p><p>We are confident in the annual rough sleeping statistics and the
methodology used. The annual snapshot has never claimed to be a total figure of all
those sleeping rough in the country and is a pragmatic approach that provides a representation
of those sleeping rough, alongside a reliable and consistent measure of change. The
methodology used in England aligns with the approach which is now standard in many
parts of the world including Canada, the United States and a number of other European
countries.</p><p>All counts and estimates are independently verified by Homeless Link.
Homeless Link oversee the whole process, issue clear guidance on how to conduct a
count or estimate and actively challenge areas to ensure figures are reliable. Hundreds
of local partners and voluntary sector organisations actively engage in the count
and producing the estimate which also gives us confidence in the reliability of the
statistics.</p><p>Accurately counting or estimating the number of people sleeping
rough within a local authority is inherently difficult given the hidden nature of
rough sleeping. There are a range of factors that can have an impact on the number
of people seen or thought to be sleeping rough on any given night. This includes the
weather, where people choose to sleep, the date and time chosen, and the availability
of alternatives such as night shelters.</p><p>MHCLG is actively encouraging local
authorities with significant numbers of rough sleepers to improve their year-round
data on rough sleeping and is working collaboratively with local authorities to develop
improved homelessness data and outcomes that can measure progress in reducing rough
sleeping and homelessness.</p><p>Alongside our recent overhaul of homelessness statistics,
through H-CLIC, to collect detailed case level information about every homelessness
application we are also establishing local data pilots which will seek to improve
the data collected by a wide range of services which people who sleep rough access</p><p><br>The
Government is committed to reducing homelessness and ending rough sleeping. No one
should ever have to sleep rough. That is why we published the cross-government Rough
Sleeping Strategy. This sets out an ambitious £100 million package to help people
who sleep rough now, but also puts in place the structures that will end rough sleeping
once and for all. The Government has now committed over £1.2 billion to tackle homelessness
and rough sleeping over the spending review period. In its first year, the Rough Sleeping
Initiative provided over 1,750 new bed spaces and 500 staff.</p>
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