Rough sleeper counts are best regarded as indicators of trends, rather than exact numbers of men and women who sleep rough. Any changes that enable a more accurate picture of numbers and trends are to be welcomed.
The Coalition Government has reviewed the way rough sleepers will be counted. For their new guidance, see the Communities and Local Government website.
St Mungo's submitted its response to the Government's consultation on evaluating the extent of rough sleeping.
Street counts often focused on local 'hot spots' that were known to be problem areas, and therefore excluded less visible rough sleepers. Figures do show real progress in tackling homelessness since the Rough Sleeper Unit was set up in 1998 but further work is necessary if we are to eliminate rough sleeping altogether.
For more, see our Long Term Rough Sleepers - Innovation and Recovery briefing, Feb 2011.
For an overview profile of St Mungo's clients, and for links to broader London and national figures, see Facts for journalists.
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