Refugee Homelessness in the UK Reaches Record Levels
Charity Reports Double Increase in Homeless Refugees Amidst Housing Shortages
Homelessness among refugees in the UK has doubled over the past year, reaching unprecedented levels, according to research by The No Accommodation Network (Naccom).
The organization, which oversees 140 groups assisting asylum seekers and migrants across the UK, reported a 99% increase in homeless refugees, with 1,941 individuals affected.
When including asylum seekers and other migrants, the number classified as destitute or homeless rises to 4,146, with 850 people recorded as sleeping rough—a 125% increase from the previous year.
Naccom has identified multiple factors contributing to this crisis, including a large backlog in asylum claims and insufficient affordable housing in the private sector.
In response, charities have distributed tents and sleeping bags and provided over half a million nights of accommodation—a 51% increase from 2021-22.
Approximately half of the refugees managed to access private rental housing, aided by charity-supported alternatives such as hosting and lodging schemes.
Naccom's report highlights significant gaps in statutory services and calls for urgent reforms, such as extending the Home Office move-on period for evictees from 28 to 56 days and ending 'hostile environment' policies.
Bridget Young, director of Naccom, emphasized the need for systemic changes to prevent rising homelessness caused by the current asylum and immigration processes.
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
The organization, which oversees 140 groups assisting asylum seekers and migrants across the UK, reported a 99% increase in homeless refugees, with 1,941 individuals affected.
When including asylum seekers and other migrants, the number classified as destitute or homeless rises to 4,146, with 850 people recorded as sleeping rough—a 125% increase from the previous year.
Naccom has identified multiple factors contributing to this crisis, including a large backlog in asylum claims and insufficient affordable housing in the private sector.
In response, charities have distributed tents and sleeping bags and provided over half a million nights of accommodation—a 51% increase from 2021-22.
Approximately half of the refugees managed to access private rental housing, aided by charity-supported alternatives such as hosting and lodging schemes.
Naccom's report highlights significant gaps in statutory services and calls for urgent reforms, such as extending the Home Office move-on period for evictees from 28 to 56 days and ending 'hostile environment' policies.
Bridget Young, director of Naccom, emphasized the need for systemic changes to prevent rising homelessness caused by the current asylum and immigration processes.
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
