Greater Manchester Reports Decrease in Rough Sleeping Numbers

Recent data released by the mayor indicates a significant decrease in the nightly count of individuals sleeping rough across Greater Manchester. In October, 112 people were identified sleeping outdoors, representing an approximate 25% decline from the 148 individuals documented in October 2023. This number is separate from the 550 individuals currently housed via Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s Bed Every Night initiative. The ten councils forming the region’s combined authority have declared an additional expenditure of £1 million to address the issue. The initiative has already expanded its capacity by 50 beds due to the additional funding, with central government contributing half of this amount. A subsequent expansion will ensure over 600 beds are accessible starting next April. Mr. Burnham stated: “As we face another challenging winter, Greater Manchester is coming together to send a clear signal that support is available – but the current pressures on the system cannot be sustained.” He added: “There is an urgent need to invest in services so we can bring people inside and offer them the kind of personalised support that will help them get back on their feet. “But there is also an urgent need to get upstream and stop the flow of people onto our streets.” Jay Wright, who experiences rough sleeping, reported that he could not obtain a bed because of high demand and had to resort to begging to afford hostel lodging. The 48-year-old commented: “I’m engaging with the town hall, I’m engaging with Shelter. I keep myself to myself because what I’ve seen out on the streets is absolutely terrifying so I stay as close to Piccadilly station at night as possible unless I raise up the money to get in somewhere myself.” Mr. Wright explained that he became homeless one year prior following his mother’s death and the loss of his residence. He received an offer for a bed at a Bed Every Night facility situated near Manchester Airport but concluded that the commute was excessive. He further remarked: “It’s an hour-and-a-half on the tram and the little family I’ve got left which I’m trying to maintain contact with live in Newton Heath. “My hopes are to get out of this situation instead of sitting on the floor asking good people for help and degrading myself.” Mr. Burnham asserted that increased rough sleeping last year stemmed from pressures caused by a previous Conservative government’s decision to accelerate the eviction of refugees from hotels. A significant number of rough sleepers are believed to be refugees who lack the right to housing. The mayor advised individuals against traveling to Manchester with the expectation of securing accommodation. He stated: “The message is, don’t travel to Manchester looking for support because we’re doing everything we can and we do call on other cities to do whatever they can as well.” For the finest content from BBC Radio Manchester, tune into Sounds and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.