Funding aims to tackle 45% rise in rough sleepers

West Norfolk Borough Council recorded 55 rough sleepers in 2024 compared with 38 in the previous year

A 45% rise in the number of rough sleepers has been recorded in West Norfolk in the past year.

The number of people who are homeless in the council district, which includes King's Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton, is counted three times per year.

Government figures show 55 rough sleepers were recorded in 2024 compared with 38 in the previous year.

In response, the council's cabinet have agreed to spend more than £756,600 from central government on services to support those at risk.

Independent councillor Simon Ring has concerns planned changes to the rental property market could make the situation worse

The council's housing strategy will focus on early intervention and prevention helping those most at risk of street sleeping being prioritised.

Councillors were concerned the introduction of the Renters' Rights Bill could lead to fewer private rental properties being available in the coming months.

Simon Ring, deputy leader of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council, which is run by an Independent coalition, expressed concerns some landlords might sell up due to the stricter rules that give more rights to renters, which include ending no-fault evictions.

"The bill could mean the number of private rental properties diminishes," he said.

"We are seeing people that are earning money from very good jobs but are turning up on our doorstep with all their belongings as they have been kicked out of their homes."

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) spokesperson said "good landlords have nothing to fear from our Renters' Rights Bill, and our reforms will tackle one of the biggest drivers of homelessness by ending no-fault evictions".

"We are determined to end homelessness for good... increasing funding for homelessness services to £1bn next year and building more affordable homes."

The ministry added that its Winter Pressures allocation for King's Lynn & West Norfolk was £9,212.

'Spike' in homelessness

The Purfleet Trust, a homelessness charity operating in King's Lynn, said it had seen a surge in demand for its services in recent years, with increasing numbers of families needing assistance.

About 500 people a year were being supported by the trust, including helping find homes for those who are rough sleeping, facing eviction, sofa-surfing or sleeping in a car.

Paula Hall, chief executive of Purfleet, said the council was giving it some of the new funding to secure support services for the next three years.

"We are seeing a spike in the number of people presenting as homeless, however because of the work we do with the council, people are not on the streets for as long as they were," she said.

She said they also offered support with health and employment issues.

Figures from the MHCLG show homelessness rates in West Norfolk were below other districts in the county.

West Norfolk had fewer about three rough sleepers per 100,000 residents in the year from October 2023 to September 2024.

In Great Yarmouth, the rate was about 24, while in Norwich it was about 14.

In Breckland, Broadland, North Norfolk and South Norfolk, it was between three and 13 rough sleepers per 100,000.