Annual Rough Sleeper Counts in Brighton
Every autumn, local authorities across England conduct a count — or an estimate — of the number of people sleeping rough on a single night. Brighton and Hove consistently records one of the highest rough sleeping rates per capita outside London. Understanding these numbers, what they mean, and what they do not tell us is important for anyone who cares about tackling homelessness in the city.
Brighton’s Position Nationally
Brighton and Hove regularly appears near the top of the national rough sleeping statistics for England. The city’s numbers reflect a complex mix of factors including relatively high rates of poverty, a shortage of affordable housing, a well-established homeless community that has formed over decades, and the fact that people migrate to Brighton from other areas of the country. The city’s reputation as a tolerant, open community also means that some people who feel unwelcome elsewhere come to Brighton seeking a fresh start.
What the Count Doesn’t Capture
The annual rough sleeper count is widely acknowledged to be an undercount. It measures people sleeping rough on a single night under the official definition — those sleeping outside without any accommodation. It does not capture the many people sofa surfing, in hostels, in squats, or in temporary accommodation. The true picture of homelessness in Brighton is significantly larger than the headline number suggests.
Trends Over Time
Rough sleeping in Brighton, as nationally, increased significantly during the 2010s, largely as a result of welfare reforms, cuts to homelessness services, and a worsening housing affordability crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced rough sleeping due to emergency “Everyone In” measures that housed rough sleepers in hotels. Since the pandemic, numbers have been rising again.
What the Numbers Mean for Policy
These statistics drive funding decisions and policy responses. Organisations like Seaside CIC use data from the annual count and other sources to make the case for increased investment in homelessness services in Brighton and Hove.
Seaside CIC is committed to reducing rough sleeping in Brighton. Find out how you can support our work.
