Over 1,700 Homeless Deaths Recorded in 2025, Including 51 Children

According to the Dying Homeless Project, operated by the Museum of Homelessness, 1,720 individuals died while experiencing homelessness in the United Kingdom during 2025, marking a 6.8% increase over the prior year. The report highlights that 51 of those who died were children, the majority being less than one year old, and only seven were recognized as homeless by council records. Emergency accommodation was the setting for many deaths, underscoring that simply moving people indoors does not guarantee safety.

Rough sleepers accounted for 214 fatalities, and deaths tied to substance abuse, alcohol, or suicide comprised 52% of the total. The charity notes that local authorities failed to record one in ten of these deaths, suggesting significant under-reporting. Regional trends showed sharp rises in England and Scotland, while Wales and Northern Ireland saw declines. The data were released ahead of a full report due on 14 October, as new prime minister Andy Burnham promised to eliminate rough sleeping by the holiday season.