London, 8 October 2025 — The number of people who died while homeless in the United Kingdom reached a record high of 1,611 in 2024, according to new figures compiled by the Museum of Homelessness. The data reveals a sharp rise in deaths linked to suicide and drug use, with synthetic substances such as spice and potent opioids like nitazines increasingly cited as causes.
London Tops the List
London recorded the highest number of deaths nationwide, underscoring the capital’s acute housing and social care crisis. While the largest increases were seen in cities such as Nottingham and Exeter, the capital remains the epicentre of the tragedy, reflecting both the scale of homelessness and the pressures on overstretched services.
Causes and Trends
- Three-quarters of those who died were men.
- Two-thirds were living in temporary or supported accommodation, while 169 people were sleeping rough.
- At least 11 children were among the dead, though campaigners warn the true figure may be higher.
- More than half of the deaths were classed as “deaths of despair,” driven by mental health struggles, addiction, and poverty.
Reactions
Matthew Turtle, director of the Museum of Homelessness, said the figures “show how homeless people continue to be deeply failed.” Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern described the statistics as “heartbreaking,” pledging that the government was accelerating efforts to tackle root causes.
Charities warn that the figures highlight systemic failings in housing provision, addiction support, and mental health services. Campaigners argue that without urgent intervention, the crisis will deepen further.
Outlook
With homelessness at record levels and rough sleeping in England rising by 20% in 2024, experts say the figures are a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate housing and social safety nets. The data, compiled from coroners’ reports, media accounts, and family testimony, is the only comprehensive record since the government stopped publishing official statistics in 2022.
