The Housing Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss the persistent issue of rough sleeping in London. The committee heard from experts about the scale of the problem, the factors driving its increase, and the demographic changes within the rough sleeping population. Discussions also covered the effectiveness of current support systems, including the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and the StreetLink referral service, as well as the role of data in commissioning services. The committee also explored the Mayor's commitment to ending rough sleeping by 2030 and the strategies being employed to achieve this goal.

Rough Sleeping in London

The committee heard that rough sleeping in London remains a significant and visible challenge, with the number of people sleeping rough reaching a record high of 13,231 in 2024-25, a 10% increase from the previous year. This figure has risen incrementally since 2008-09 when it stood at 3,472.

Experts highlighted that rough sleeping is not solely a housing problem but is deeply intertwined with poverty and a failure of broader systems. The rising cost of living is placing immense strain on low-income individuals, and there has been an observed unravelling of support services. A key concern raised was the misalignment of systems intended to prevent homelessness, particularly at critical points where individuals are most at risk.

The demographic profile of rough sleepers is also changing. There is an increase in non-UK nationals, women, younger people, and older individuals experiencing homelessness. A notable new cohort is individuals leaving the asylum system and entering rough sleeping, with policy decisions in this area directly contributing to the rise. The increasing number of older people in the private rented sector, facing income drops upon retirement, is also a growing concern, as are the specific needs and barriers faced by young people experiencing homelessness.

The complexity of needs among those rough sleeping is increasing, with many presenting with multiple, intersecting disadvantages, including physical and mental health issues, cognitive disabilities, and drug and alcohol dependencies. This highlights a failure upstream to prevent and address these needs before they escalate to housing challenges.

While Westminster continues to have the highest number of recorded rough sleepers, the outer boroughs are experiencing the most significant increases. This shift may be influenced by the availability of services and support in inner boroughs compared to outer ones, and potentially by the location of asylum hotels.

The hostile environment policy and the spread of disinformation were also cited as exacerbating factors. However, there was a notable success story regarding veterans, with homelessness among this group significantly reduced from 40% in London to single figures, offering lessons for other parts of the system.

The effectiveness of the StreetLink referral system was debated. While the London StreetLink phone line has seen success with self-referrals and a phone-based casework model, challenges remain regarding response times and the potential for individuals to move on before outreach teams can connect with them. Concerns were also raised about the verification process and the non-consensual nature of reporting individuals without their consent.

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) was discussed as a valuable data source, though improvements are needed for a more comprehensive system that can proactively identify at-risk individuals. Efforts are being made to improve CHAIN's data quality, including removing verification requirements and enhancing the visibility of harder-to-reach populations like women.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was discussed in the context of extreme weather events. While provision varies by local authority, there is a reliance on cold weather activations, with less preparedness for heatwaves or prolonged periods of rain and flooding. A key concern is that SWEP often provides only temporary shelter, with a missed opportunity to offer longer-term solutions. The principle of everyone in for good was advocated for, ensuring that SWEP activations lead to sustainable routes off the streets.

The Mayor's commitment to ending rough sleeping by 2030 was acknowledged as ambitious. While progress is being made, particularly in prevention and system-wide coordination through initiatives like the London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme, challenges remain due to the disjointed nature of the current system and the influence of national policy decisions. The importance of cross-sector working, including adult social care and health services, was emphasised. The Mayor's plan includes a focus on housing-led models and expanding Housing First initiatives.

The London Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme, a £3.5 million initiative, aims to improve system coordination. This programme is supported by a wider £25 million per year government funding for homelessness and rough sleeping over three years. The programme is co-chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development and the Leader of Waltham Forest Council, with input from boroughs, London Councils, and government departments. Performance monitoring will be based on a shared outcomes framework focusing on prevention, experiences of homelessness, value for money, and costs of temporary accommodation.

The effectiveness of direct cash transfers to individuals experiencing homelessness was also discussed, with early positive signs from trials indicating improvements in housing stability and well-being. The need to replicate these experiments with at-risk groups, including women, asylum seekers, young people leaving care, and those leaving institutions, was highlighted.

The committee also discussed the Renters' Rights Act [2025], focusing on its implementation and monitoring. Key changes include the ban on section 21 evictions, which aims to provide greater security and empower tenants to report issues without fear of retaliation. The Act also introduces measures to ban rental bidding wars and discrimination against families and benefit recipients. However, concerns were raised about the enforcement capacity of local authorities, the potential for landlords to exploit loopholes, and the long timelines for implementing standards like the Decent Homes Standard. The effectiveness of the Act for vulnerable renters, including those with disabilities or with English as a second language, was also questioned, alongside the need for accessible information and support services. The role of the Mayor in coordinating communications and supporting local authorities was discussed, with a commitment to updating GLA tools and checkers to reflect the new legislation. The potential impact on the supply of private rented properties and the need for a holistic approach that balances regulation with landlord confidence were also key themes.

The committee heard that local authorities face significant challenges in enforcing the Renters' Rights Act due to a lack of skilled staff and, in some cases, insufficient funding. While the Act introduces new duties for local authorities, their capacity to fulfil these is hampered by existing budget constraints and a shortage of qualified environmental health officers. The effectiveness of the Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker was also debated, with concerns raised about data retention periods and the inconsistent use of the tool by boroughs.

The Mayor's PRS Partnership was highlighted as a valuable forum for sharing best practice and intelligence among boroughs. However, the Mayor's lack of formal powers over private renting means his role is primarily convening and lobbying. The GLA is working to improve communication about the Act, including using the TfL network and digital channels, and is supporting boroughs in developing their own communication strategies. The importance of reaching vulnerable renters, including those with language barriers or disabilities, was stressed, with suggestions for multi-faceted communication approaches and the promotion of resources like the My Housing Issue Gateway.

The committee also discussed the potential for landlords to exit the market or switch to holiday lets in response to the new legislation, and the impact this could have on housing supply and affordability. While some boroughs are actively acquiring properties to mitigate supply issues, the scale of the problem remains significant. The need for a balanced approach that supports responsible landlords while enforcing the Act was emphasized, alongside continued investment in social housing.

Finally, the committee discussed the role of the Mayor in supporting landlords to understand their rights and responsibilities, and the need for clear, consistent messaging across all stakeholders. The potential for increased court activity due to the Act was acknowledged, and the importance of adequate court capacity and investment in the justice system was stressed. The committee also explored the effectiveness of the Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker and the need for greater transparency and data sharing among boroughs.