ONE homeless person has died in Andover in the past two years, according to new research.
The Museum of Homelessness, which carried out the study, is the only organisation collating the figures since the Office for National Statistics stopped compiling the data in 2022.
The research revealed the continued impact at the sharpest edge of the homelessness crisis, as it says the Labour Government has "failed to deliver on its early promises."
The figures show that the overall number of people who have died while homeless across the UK has increased by 9 per cent, with an average of four needless deaths every day of the year.
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The majority of deaths, 55 per cent, can now be classed as a ‘death of despair’, with more deaths by suicide being reported to the project and evidence of a higher rate of drug-related deaths. There are significant issues with psychoactive substances such as spice and synthetic opioids across towns and cities in the UK and not enough is being done.
In Andover, one person died while homeless in the last two years, a significantly lower number than other parts of Hampshire, including Southampton, Eastbourne and Hastings, which all saw sharp rises.
The worst rises were observed in the South-West, East Midlands and the East of England. However, both Scotland and Wales have seen decreases in deaths.
Of the 1,611 people who died homeless in 2024, the data reveals that three-quarters were men and that two-thirds of the deaths were of people living in temporary or supported accommodation, while 169 were sleeping rough and 11 were children.
The previous year saw 1,474 deaths, and the year before 1,313 deaths.
Some local areas are putting in place effective responses to increases in homeless deaths, of note are Glasgow and Edinburgh which have seen significant reductions in deaths since 2023.
These statistics include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation, and other insecure settings. Each fatality was verified by a freedom of information request, coroner’s report, charity or family member.
Director of Museum of Homelessness, Matthew Turtle, said: “Angela Rayner and Rushanara Ali leaving their posts in 2025 lays bare the lack of leadership on homelessness and housing at all levels of government in the face of the worst homelessness crisis this country has ever seen.
"Our investigation shows how homeless people continue to be deeply failed. We are calling for urgent action from the government to alleviate this crisis.”
Strategic lead for the project, Gill Taylor, said: “With heavy hearts, we report the deaths of 1611 people who died whilst homeless in 2024.
"Whilst it is positive that local authorities and Safeguarding Adult Boards appear to be taking the issue more seriously, with better reporting and evidence of improved local partnership working to prevent deaths, turning the tide on this enormous loss of life needs more than better counting.
"We remember with love all those who died and continue our work in solidarity with bereaved loved ones and the homeless community.”
The Advertiser has contacted Test Valley Borough Council for a comment.
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