Left: Mike Foster, City of Wolverhampton Council rough sleeper coordinator, Paul Burns and Shaz Kaur (Good Shepherd), Paul Hale (Recovery Near You), Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing at City of Wolverhampton Council, Kate Downing (P3 Charity), Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council, John Doyle (Recovery Near You), Cheryl Langford (West Midlands Police), Jo Leek (Wolverhampton BID) and Jim Corry (P3 Charity)
Rough sleeper numbers in Wolverhampton remain in single figures as partnership work spearheaded by the council goes on, official statistics show.
The data snapshot – taken once a year and based on one night – puts rough sleeper levels in Wolverhampton at 8.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has published the latest figures following a count in October 2024. It shows Wolverhampton has fewer rough sleepers than most cities in the country and one of the lowest levels in the region.
Across England the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2024 was 4,667. This has risen for the third year in a row, increasing 20% since 2023. The West Midlands region saw a 35% increase in rough sleepers in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the single night figures.
City of Wolverhampton Council heads a multi agency approach with the P3 Charity, Good Shepherd Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton BID, Wolverhampton Homes, Recovery Near You, West Midlands Police and others.
Support offered by partner agencies not only addresses housing issues but also helps with reducing debts, improving skills, controlling substance use and managing mental and physical health issues. All those identified as rough sleeping during the count were offered support, including accommodation.
Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “The low figures are a testament to work that goes into supporting our most vulnerable people all year round.
“Our revised 5 year Homelessness Prevention Strategy underpins our commitment, through a joined up approach, to ensuring no-one is left behind.
“We will build on partnership work to tackle the root causes of homelessness while working to deliver good homes in well connected neighbourhoods that support strong families where children grow up well and achieve their full potential.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “People who sleep rough also often have complex and multiple health and care needs. An important part of our work in this area is to help people improve their health and social wellbeing, supporting them to find long term solutions and break the cycle.”
P3 Charity Head of Support & Community Services, Sam Bailey, said: “We’re proud of the collective difference we’ve made to rough sleeping in Wolverhampton, but we can’t rest on our laurels.
“In collaboration with our partners, we’ll continue the exceptional, people centric approach that we’re known for, ensuring our interventions are effective and long lasting. Our commitment continues until we’re confident there is no longer anyone in Wolverhampton who needs to spend a night on the streets.”
For details on how to contact support services to help those experiencing rough sleeping, visit Rough sleeping, P3 Charity or Street Support Network – Find Help.
Donate online via JustGiving or by using the charity’s tap and go points in Railway Drive or Victoria Square.
Concerned about someone sleeping rough? Visit StreetLink.
For help with the cost of living visit Cost of Living Support.