Homeless deaths triple in the West Country in past five years

The number of homeless people dying on the streets has risen by more than a fifth in the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The total deaths in the West Country has tripled in the past five years.

The South West has the highest rate of deaths amongst rough sleepers outside of London.

In Bristol alone, seventeen people died in 2018 - a significant rise on the year before.

88% of the total deaths in the UK were men

It is thought a lack of support services and substance abuse are some of the main factors behind the increase - with the number of those dying from drug poisoning almost doubling.

In Devon and Cornwall last year there were nearly 30 recorded deaths.

Including:

  • 12 in Plymouth

  • 6 in Cornwall

  • 4 in Exeter and Devon county

  • 3 in Torbay

In Devon and Cornwall last year there were nearly 30 recorded deaths.

88% of the total deaths in the UK were men, with the average age at death being 45 years for males and 43 years for females.