Gateshead Sees Sharp Rise in Rough Sleeping Amid National Trend

National World - LocalTV

Gateshead has reported a sharp rise in rough sleeping, with new figures showing 141 recorded instances in 2024/25, though the council says changes in data collection and delays in support services are key factors behind the increase.

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00:00Yes, concerns are growing in Gateshead over a sharp rise in rough sleeping,

00:04with new council figures showing a significant jump in the number of reported cases.

00:09According to the latest data, the number of people who experienced rough sleeping in the

00:13borough has climbed from just eight cases from 2022 to 2023 to 17 last year and now stands as

00:20striking 141. However, Gateshead Council has clarified that this latest figure reflects

00:26instances of rough sleeping recorded across the entire 2024 to 2025 year, a type of data that

00:32hasn't previously been collected, meaning it can't be directly compared to earlier totals.

00:38Still, the increase has been described in the council's annual performance report as higher

00:42than expected. Council officers explained that the area's supported accommodation is still being

00:49recommissioned, with some schemes delayed in opening. Emergency beds also aren't yet fully operational,

00:56meaning they haven't had the opportunity to impact the figures. Meanwhile, support facilities for

01:01individuals with multiple and complex needs are facing delays due to third party providers struggling

01:07to secure properties. Looking ahead, the council says that by 2025 to 2026, more support should be

01:14available, including 20 room spaces specifically for people at risk of rough sleeping. Gateshead,

01:20like many councils across the UK, has also faced a dramatic increase in the cost of temporary

01:25accommodation, spending rising from just over £150,000 in 2021 to 2022 to £1.3 million last year.

01:34Research shows domestic abuse remains the leading cause of homelessness in the borough,

01:39followed by cases where families can no longer house individuals.

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