The Museum of Homelessness said its research suggested at least 1,474 people died while homeless in the UK in 2023, up from 1,313 deaths recorded in 2022.

Deaths in 2023 rose across England (983), Scotland (206) and Wales (97) but fell in Northern Ireland (188) compared with 2022.

These statistics include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation and other insecure settings. Within those figures, the report found the deaths of people sleeping rough spiked by 42% from 109 to 155 in a year.

The Museum of Homelessness has been running the Dying Homeless Project since 2019 and gathers its data each year through freedom of information requests – although some are not answered – coroners inquests and memorials submitted by bereaved family members.

The research also found that 20% more young adults experiencing homelessness completed suicide while people experiencing homelessness are at least three times more likely to be murdered.

Of 39 total suicides, 18 (47%) were of people under 35 years old which represents a 20% increase compared with the organisation’s findings in 2022. Although whole population data suggests the age group most at risk of suicide is those between 45-54, the Museum of Homelessness said its findings suggest that homeless young people face discrete risks around suicide that should be considered a “priority for action”.

The investigation added that people are especially vulnerable to a violent death when needing to rely on someone else for shelter or help.

Gill Taylor, strategic lead for the project, said: “It is incredibly disappointing that some local authorities are still not counting the numbers of people dying homeless in their area.

“The evidence is clear that counting, reviewing and learning from deaths is key to preventing further loss of life.”

Co-director Matt Turtle added: “The systems of care for people living with poverty and homelessness is in tatters after 15 years of cuts and corruption. This could not be laid out more starkly than in these findings. As yet the new government has not set out plans to mitigate the damage caused by the last government. Our analysis indicates things are set to get much grimmer, unless the government acts now to save lives.” 

A national vigil to remember those lost will be held on 17 October, outside Downing Street.