Steep rise in number of people sleeping rough in Bristol

The number of people sleeping rough in Bristol has rocketed by 14 per cent in the last year – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Mayor Marvin Rees called it unacceptable that such inequality remains in the city, as he stressed that tackling homelessness remains a top priority.

The latest council figures reveal the number of people sleeping on the streets to be 86, an increase of 12 from the same time last year.

But this fails to portray the full extent of the homelessness crisis, as it doesn’t account for the many ‘hidden homeless’ forced to take refuge in unsafe buildings, or ‘sofa-surfers’.

“We are incredibly disappointed, but not surprised, that despite all the hard work of people across the city, the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Bristol continues to rise,” said the mayor.

“The increasing intensity of the city – and the country’s – housing crisis is the reason we have made homes and communities one of our very highest priorities– from rough sleeping to the hidden homeless.

The numbers of people sleeping rough in Bristol has increased steadily over recent years

“National policy is making more people poorer and more vulnerable – this is the context in which we are providing services.

“We need, as a city, to continue to find innovative and sustainable options to tackle rough sleeping and wider homelessness and this includes councillor Paul Smith’s focus on building more affordable homes.

“It is not acceptable that Bristol remains such an unequal city, with vulnerable people forced to live on the streets without any viable options.

“I would also encourage anyone who thinks they might be at risk of homelessness to take action as soon as possible. There are plenty of support services available and it is much easier to get help before you find yourself with nowhere to sleep at night.”

Rees said he has tasked cabinet members with tackling root causes, including hunger, education and mental health.

The council, along with partner agencies, is working on new ways to help people off the streets and the mayor says there will also be a focus on supporting those with the most complex needs, who have previously struggled to engage with support.

Paul Smith is working with agencies to bring empty council properties back into use for those in need

Paul Smith, cabinet member for homes and communities, said: “Bristol has seen rising levels of homelessness since 2011.

“We work closely with partners and communities to encourage households to come forward at an early stage so that we can help people to stay in their existing homes wherever possible.

“This increase in people rough sleeping is largely driven by changes to national welfare benefits, particularly housing benefit. Lack of social housing is also a major issue across the country.

“We are shifting our focus towards prevention and early intervention to try and avoid households getting in to crisis wherever we can. However, we still expect a significant rise in the number of households presenting to us as homeless in the coming years.”

The BBC’s Bristol-based documentary Drugsland touches on some of the city’s problems with homelessness. (C) BBC

Homeless charity, St Mungo’s, has outreach teams out four times a day connecting with people who are sleeping rough.

David Ingerslev, St Mungo’s rough sleeper service manager, said: “We offer people a safe route off the streets and support with housing, mental health, reducing alcohol and drug use.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to reduce rough sleeping. Bristol is in the grip of an affordable housing crisis with more people finding it difficult to stay in accommodation.”

Anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough  can make a street referral via Streetlink.

Read more: True extent of Bristol’s homelessness crisis revealed