Mon, 13 Oct 2025

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 Homelessness deaths almost double in a year

Homelessness charity St Martins Trust says the year-on-year rise in deaths is "unforgivable".

* In Norfolk, 9 people died while homeless in 2024, almost double the number (5) from the previous year.
* Nationally, there were 1,611 deaths, a 9% increase on the previous year, with 11 children among those who lost their lives.
* The East of England saw a 41% rise in homelessness-related deaths, with 96 reported in 2024.
* Most deaths (44%) were related to drugs or alcohol use, followed by physical health problems (34%) and suicide (11%).
* Experts blame the rising tide of homelessness on government failings, job losses, and the cost-of-living crisis.
* Campaigners describe the deaths as "unforgivable" and call for more action from the government and local authorities to address the root causes of homelessness.
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