The number of people seen sleeping rough on a single night in Greater Manchester has incresse 3.4% to 154 in Autumn 2024 from 149 in 2023, remaining almost half of the 268 seen at the peak in 2017
Official figures released this week from the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) show that Greater Manchester’s continued efforts to tackle rough sleeping in the city-region are making a real difference – despite ongoing financial pressures on local authorities and services.
Additional data published as part of the Ending Rough Sleeping for Good Data Framework shows that progress has also been made over the past 12 months. In December 2024, 335 people were recorded sleeping rough across Greater Manchester over the course of the month. This is a 23% reduction from the 439 recorded in December 2023.
The sustained effort in addressing rough sleeping is testament to the collaboration between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSFE) partners, and public services which continues to deliver results despite continued pressures on local services.
A Bed Every Night (ABEN) remains a key component of Greater Manchester’s approach and will see an increase in bed spaces from 550 to over 600 in 2025/26.
This expansion is crucial in providing immediate off-the-streets accommodation for those in need.
Furthermore, Greater Manchester has secured £47 million in government funding including a £24.8 million in Homelessness Prevention Grant to tackle homelessness over the next financial year, ensuring vital support continues across the city-region.
However, leaders in Greater Manchester are clear that more needs to be done as challenges remain.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester is proving that we can address rough sleeping through partnership, investment, and the right support.
“The truth of the matter is that the grip of the housing crisis is still tightening every year across our city-region. Our own research in Greater Manchester shows that we’re spending at least £75 million every year on renting temporary accommodation across the city-region, and we only get 42% of that back via housing benefit.
“The only solution we have to fix this shortfall is by building a supply of truly affordable, social and council housing. Our Housing First approach provides a good, safe home for those who need it. Paired with wraparound support services and the funding we’ve received from this government into social housing, Greater Manchester’s shown that a preventative approach works.
“We want to ease the financial strain on our local authorities and most importantly give our residents what they need: a healthy home for all by 2038.”
