Number of rough sleepers in Birmingham up 50% in one year

The number of people sleeping rough in Birmingham has hit record levels after rising 50% in one year.

One charity has described the rise as an ‘appalling blot’ on the city’s reputation.

Official figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government revealed 55 people were sleeping rough on the city’s streets on a single night last November.

That was up from the 36 recorded in 2015 and six times the nine people counted in 2010. Across the seven West Midlands metropolitan councils the total number of rough sleepers was 132.

The official count was carried out by councillors, council officers and charity worker. However, the figures are thought to underestimate actual numbers – particularly missing people sleeping in cars, sheds and derelict buildings.

Birmingham City Council says it is currently reviewing its homelessness policy and that the backbench housing scrutiny committee is conducting an enquiry into rough sleeping.