The same figures from last year showed 449 deaths in 12 months ‐ on average one every 20 hours ‐ indicating that the frequency at which homeless people are dying has risen significantly, despite increased awareness of the issue.
Homelessness charities and MPs called on Boris Johnson to address the "sheer lack" of affordable social housing across the country and to increase housing benefit so it covers the true cost of renting, as well as ensuring that all homeless deaths are investigated.
Housing Minister John Healey blames the Conservatives and said "Ministers urgently need to get a grip, back Labour’s plans to end rough sleeping and build thousands of more affordable homes."
Matthew Downie, director of policy and external affairs at Crisis, said it was disgraceful that hundreds of vulnerable people across the country had died without the dignity of a secure home. "We know that homelessness can be ended across the UK, but only by the government tackling the root causes."