Story perspectives

Government Halts Homeless Death Data Amid Rising Crisis

10/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The government stopped publishing official homeless-death data, relying on coroner's courts, media, and families.
Anthony Marks, 51, died after an August 2024 assault near King's Cross station. Four people face charges.
Tim Renshaw, from the Archer Project, links housing shortages to homelessness, health problems, and rising poverty.
In November 2024, three homeless women died in Sheffield, one buried alone.

History

Historical Context

The Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 was a pivotal response to rising homelessness in the UK, mandating local authorities to assist those in need. By 1981, over 100,000 households were recognized as homeless, exposing systemic failures. Today, ongoing challenges persist, highlighted by reliance on coroner's courts for homeless-death data, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive housing policies to address poverty and health issues linked to homelessness.

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Story summary

The government stopped publishing official homeless-death data, relying on coroner's courts, media, and families.
Anthony Marks, 51, died after an August 2024 assault near King's Cross station. Four people face charges.
Tim Renshaw, from the Archer Project, links housing shortages to homelessness, health problems, and rising poverty.
In November 2024, three homeless women died in Sheffield, one buried alone.

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