Rough sleeping rose in almost all England’s major cities last year, and across five of its nine regions, according to official figures.
he estimated number of rough sleepers increased by 13% in London, 60% in Birmingham, and 31% in Manchester. The place with the largest number of rough sleepers was Westminster, where 306 people were on the streets on the night of the survey, up by 41%.
The report says 4,677 people were counted or estimated to be sleeping on the streets in England. This is 165% higher than in 2010, although charities say it is likely to be an underestimate.
In England as a whole there was a marginal 2% annual fall in rough sleepers – equivalent to 74 people, the first time national figures have not risen in eight years.
Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle underground station (Northern and Bakerloo lines).
Nearest Railway Station: Elephant & Castle
Buses from Elephant and Castle: ask bus driver for Burgess Park. Bus numbers: 12, 171, 148, 176, 68, 484, 42, 40, 45