ALABARÉ shocked by 66% increase in Wiltshire rough sleepers

Leading homelessness charity ALABARÉ is disappointed yet unsurprised by the Government’s latest Rough Sleeping Snapshot, with more people having to bed down in inadequate and unsuitable places.

The figures released today (Thursday, 26 February 2026) show that on any given night in Autumn 2025, a total of 4,793 people were sleeping rough across England – a 3% rise on the numbers from 2025.

That is also the highest level of rough sleeping ever recorded using this framework, marking a 171% increase since the snapshot was first introduced in 2010.

The South West region continues to have the third-largest number of rough sleepers in England, with London and the South East reporting the highest.

585 people were found to be staying in places like shop doorways, under road bridges, in car parks, tents or cars as part of the Autumn 2025 Rough Sleeping Snapshot, which represents an 11% rise compared to the year before.

In Wiltshire, the picture is even more stark, with a 66% rise in people sleeping rough. 

Throughout the Winter, ALABARÉ has provided emergency beds for rough sleepers sheltering from the freezing cold and wet weather.

These services are not funded, and can only provide shelter, warmth and a safe place to stay with the support of local authority housing teams and through donations from the public.

31% of rough sleepers who turned to ALABARÉ this winter secured longer-term supported accommodation, demonstrating the positive impact the charity is having through the wrap-around support it provides. 

To tackle this growing crisis, ALABARÉ is calling for urgent investment in the sector – particularly in areas like Wiltshire and the South West that are seeing such significant increases in the number of people sleeping rough.

ALABARÉ recognises that the Government is ring-fencing £50 million to tackle rough sleeping, with two specific funds being set up:

• The £37 million Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund will utilise the work of voluntary, community and faith-based organisations, such as ALABARÉ, for day-to-day prevention services, including staffing costs and building improvements.
• A £15 million Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme aims to support local authorities in the worst-affected areas for rough sleepers and increase their collaboration with organisations on the frontline.

The Government’s commitment is an important step towards ensuring that no one is left behind and they can access safe and secure accommodation, which can become the entry point to longer-term support to break the cycle of homelessness.

Recognition that frontline services are best placed to help those at a crisis point is also vital, to ensure person-centred, trauma-informed help can be directed to exactly where it’s needed.

Naomi Webb, Director of Care and Support at ALABARÉ, said, “The Rough Sleeping Snapshot data is upsetting, shocking, but sadly unsurprising. It clearly reflects the demand we’re seeing in our services every single day.

“We are undeniably in a homelessness crisis. At ALABARÉ, we are truly breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing more than just shelter. Our wrap-around support includes helping people with their mental health, encouraging our clients to take part in our wellbeing activities, and opening doors to employment and independent living.” 

“Seeing the Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, and Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern, acknowledge the need for services like ALABARÉ to lead from the front. We’re ready for that challenge and keen to work closely with the Government and local authorities to ensure people who are sleeping rough get the support they need and work towards a fulfilling and independent future.”