08 Nov Increase in rough sleeping deaths and attacks
Southwark is facing an increase in rough sleeping deaths as well as many reports of violent attacks against rough sleepers.
A rough sleeper sleeping on the street.
According to annual Chain figures rough sleeping has increased by 18% in London with Southwark witnessing a shocking increase in rough sleeping deaths.
However, dying isn’t the only problem rough sleepers are facing as many have been a victim of physical and verbal abuse. Chris Holmes, 28, said, “It’s a nightmare. I’ve been spat on, kicked, shoved and punched.” He added, “Nobody cares about us.”
Within recent years the issue has increased due to a lack of funding which Southwark Council blames the government for. Councillor (Cllr) Ian Wingfield said, “They are draconian cuts.”
At a council scrutiny meeting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain said, “Southwark is in the top 10 for rough sleeping deaths.” He emphasised that more must be done to help rough sleepers.
But many rough sleepers aren’t shocked by these statistics as Claudia, 39, says, “They don’t really care about us. They want us gone.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has said, “The rise in rough sleeping across the country and in London is a national disgrace.” He blamed the crisis on welfare reforms and a lack of investment in social housing.
The council haven’t made any further comments regarding the statistics but are holding a Council Assembly on 27 November to discuss homelessness and housing need.
