London rough sleeping falls sharply among young adults
City Hall reports 45% drop in 18-25-year-olds sleeping rough in the capital between April and June 2026
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The number of young adults sleeping rough in London has fallen by nearly half in the past year. Figures published by City Hall show 202 people aged 18 to 25 were recorded sleeping rough between April and June 2026. This marks a 45% drop from the 366 recorded in the same period in 2025.
The data comes from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain), which tracks rough sleeping across the capital. Young adults now account for 5.1% of all rough sleepers recorded in London. The overall number of people sleeping rough fell by 10% annually, with 3,959 individuals recorded in the latest quarter.
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Mayor’s plan credited for progress
City Hall said the decline reflects the impact of the mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action, launched in 2025. A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said the figures were encouraging but added there was still more work to do. Khan has pledged to end rough sleeping in London by 2030.
The No Second Night Out initiative was highlighted as a key factor in the reduction. The scheme prevented 77% of new rough sleepers from spending a second night on the streets. Of the 1,685 individuals seen rough sleeping for the first time in the quarter, only 3% went on to become long-term rough sleepers.
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Long-term rough sleeping rises
While new rough sleepers fell, the number of long-term rough sleepers increased by 6% compared to the previous quarter. There were 680 individuals recorded as long-term rough sleepers between April and June 2026. This figure remains 14% lower than the same period last year.
UK nationals made up the largest share of rough sleepers, accounting for 54% of those recorded in the quarter. This is an increase from 50% in the previous three months. European Union nationals made up 19%, while rough sleepers from Africa and Asia accounted for 12% and 10% respectively.
Female rough sleeping declines
The number of women sleeping rough in London fell by nearly 7% to 704 individuals in the quarter. Women have consistently made up 18% of the total rough sleeping population in the capital. Outreach workers reported that many rough sleepers faced severe health issues, including addiction and mental health problems, as well as histories in care.
“London is providing the blueprint for what can be achieved when political leaders have the vision and intent to end street homelessness.”
Lisa Doyle, head of policy and public affairs at Centre Point
What happens next
City Hall has allocated £8 million in its budget to tackle rough sleeping. The mayor’s office said it remains focused on ending rough sleeping by 2030. Charities have welcomed the progress but warned that hidden homelessness, particularly among women, may still be underreported.
Questions this report answers
+How many young adults were sleeping rough in London in 2026?
Between April and June 2026, 202 young adults aged 18-25 were recorded sleeping rough in London. This is a 45% drop from the same period in 2025, when 366 were recorded. The figures come from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain).
+What is the No Second Night Out initiative?
The No Second Night Out initiative aims to prevent new rough sleepers from spending a second night on the streets. Between April and June 2026, it prevented 77% of new rough sleepers in London from doing so. The scheme is part of the mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action.
+Has rough sleeping among women decreased in London?
Yes, the number of women sleeping rough in London fell by nearly 7% to 704 individuals between April and June 2026. Women have consistently made up 18% of the total rough sleeping population in the capital, according to Chain data.
+What is the mayor’s target for ending rough sleeping in London?
Sadiq Khan has pledged to end rough sleeping in London by 2030. City Hall has allocated £8 million in its budget to tackle the issue and says its Rough Sleeping Plan of Action is having an impact, though it acknowledges more work is needed.
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