Rough sleeper numbers among lowest in West Mids

A council has said its low numbers of rough sleepers are a tribute to the work of its teams to support those in need.

Snapshot data from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government showed there were just eight people sleeping on the streets in the city.

The statistics, among the lowest in the West Midlands, were based on a count done on one night in October 2024.

"The low figures are a testament to work that goes into supporting our most vulnerable people all year round," City of Wolverhampton Councillor Steve Evans said.

"Our revised five-year Homelessness Prevention Strategy underpins our commitment, through a joined up approach, to ensuring no-one is left behind."

Across England the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2024 was 4,667, the data showed.

This is the third year in a row that the numbers have increased - since 2023 alone they have risen 20%.

The West Midlands region saw a 35% jump in rough sleepers in 2024 compared with the previous year, according to the figures recorded on the night.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal said it was important to "help people improve" their health and social wellbeing, as well as "supporting them to find long-term solutions and break the cycle".

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