Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: THE number of refugees who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in England has soared, according to reports.
New official figures show there has been a five-fold increase in the past four years to almost 20,000. The number has increased by more than 15,000 from 3,560 in 2021-22 to 19,310 in 2024-25, Government data for England shows. London and the North West, including Liverpool and Manchester, have the highest proportion of homeless or at risk of homelessness refugees, according to reports. The Government has faced criticism over the soaring numbers. Charities told the BBC the increase was a “direct result” of Government policy.
They blamed the 28-day period for newly-recognised refugees to move out of Home Office accommodation, such as migrant hotels, as one factor in the rise.
Faster processing of asylum claims were also seen as a reason. A charity worker said it was mainly homeless female refugees under the age of 30 asking for help. In 2025, a total of 41,427 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in a small boat — the secondhighest yearly figure on record. Successive governments have faced criticism over the issue
