A charity that helps the homeless has voiced concerns after new government figures revealed the number of people sleeping rough in Bedfordshire has risen by more than 24% in the past year.
Data from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government shows that rough sleeping in the county increased from 49 to 61 people in 2023. However, local charity Emmaus Village Carlton warns the true scale of homelessness is likely much higher.
Neighbouring areas have also seen sharp increases, with the number of rough sleepers doubling in Milton Keynes, while North Northamptonshire saw a 64% rise and West Northamptonshire reported a 30% increase.
The figures come from the government’s Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England, which provides a one-night estimate of people sleeping rough in local authority areas each autumn.
“Tip of the iceberg”
Emmaus Village Carlton has expressed serious concerns over the rise and the increasing number of people at risk of homelessness.
Donna-Louise Cobban, chief executive officer at Emmaus Village Carlton, said: “These figures are deeply concerning and reflect what we’re seeing locally – more people struggling to find a stable home.
“We’ve seen rough sleeping increase in recent years, and more people than ever are now at risk.
“However, these statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. Many people experiencing homelessness are hidden – sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, or living in unsafe conditions just to avoid the streets.
“They don’t appear in these figures, but they still need urgent support.”
She also called for long-term action to address homelessness in Bedfordshire.
“We need long-term solutions. More investment in homelessness services and social housing is essential to prevent more people from being pushed into rough sleeping.
“Alongside this, organisations like Emmaus play a vital role in giving people the chance to rebuild their lives. By providing a stable home, tailored support and training opportunities, we help people to move forward and avoid returning to homelessness,” she added,.
Support for those at risk
Emmaus Village Carlton provides accommodation, support, and work-related training for people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
The charity runs social enterprises that offer those it supports the chance to gain skills and work experience while rebuilding their confidence and stability.
For more information about Emmaus Village Carlton, visit emmaus.org.uk/village-carlton or call 01234 720826.
