Daniel Zeichner, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, says that today’s release of the national statistics on rough sleeping, reveals the extent of the crisis which has become a ‘national shame’. The data released today reflects the number of rough sleepers recorded in autumn 2018. Since 2010, the number of rough sleepers has increased by 165%, from 1,768 people to 4,677. In Cambridge the number of rough sleepers recorded was 27 in 2018, a steep rise since 2010 from 6 people.

Year on year, the national figures have today reflected a 2% decline in the number of people sleeping rough on the street, however key metropolitan areas, such as London and Birmingham, have experience a surge in numbers at 13% and 60% respectively.

“What people in cities like Cambridge want is far fewer people sleeping in precarious situations, whether that be on the street or in temporary accommodation, and they want to see greater commitment from central Government, not some far off promise to end rough sleeping 10 years from now.”

Mr Zeichner said: “The number of people sleeping rough in our country has become a national shame, with rough sleeping 165% higher than when the last Labour Government was in power. These figures speak for themselves, confirming what Cambridge people see on our streets every day. Our City Council and voluntary agencies do a fine job, but confront a rising tide of misery caused by the Government’s calamitous and callous welfare and housing policies.”