New Figures Show Increase in Rough Sleeping Across Cornwall

New figures released by the UK Government show rough sleeping has risen both nationally and in Cornwall, with the county recording a 23% increase over the past year.

The Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England: Autumn 2025 estimates that 4,793 people were sleeping rough across England on a single night in autumn 2025. It is the highest figure recorded since the snapshot began in 2010.

In Cornwall, the estimate has increased from 53 people in 2024 to 65 people in 2025.

St Petrocs Responds to Latest Figures

St Petrocs, Cornwall’s leading homelessness charity, says the statistics reflect what it has been seeing on the ground.

Henry Meacock, Chief Executive of St Petrocs, said:

“The rough sleeping snapshot for Cornwall demonstrates what we at St Petrocs have seen throughout the last year; the number of people sleeping rough in Cornwall has increased significantly. Urgent action needs to be taken and we are engaging with all parts of society to make a difference. It is imperative that we work collaboratively across the public, private and charitable sectors to make the necessary system changes in support of the Government’s new national strategy which specifically targets rough sleeping. As an independent, local charity we are doing everything we can to support people pushed into homelessness. We will continue to keep our doors open whilst at the same time advocating for better local services to support people in crisis and wherever possible, prevent anyone from having to sleep rough in the first place.”

A Snapshot, Not the Full Picture

The snapshot is based on a single-night estimate and does not include everyone experiencing homelessness. It does not account for people living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing or staying in insecure housing.

St Petrocs says a range of factors are contributing to the rise, including increasing private rents, a shortage of affordable housing, limited availability of social homes and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Rural and coastal communities in Cornwall face additional challenges. Seasonal work patterns and limited access to support services in more remote areas are also having an impact.

How People in Cornwall Can Help

St Petrocs is urging people across Cornwall to take practical steps to support those sleeping rough.

If you see someone sleeping rough, you can report it to StreetLink so they can be connected with support.

The charity is also encouraging people to support St Petrocs through donations, fundraising or volunteering to help provide vital services and work towards ensuring no one in Cornwall has to sleep outside.