Luton Council reports progress in reducing rough sleeping and homelessness

Between April 2025 and February 2026

• 928 people averted homelessness – the highest number ever recorded in Luton.
• Households in temporary accommodation fell from 1,103 to 937 – the lowest level since 2016.
• Families in B&B accommodation dropped from 120 to zero.

The council’s focus on early prevention and strong partnership working has helped residents stay in their homes and avoid crisis situations. Working with organisations including Mary Seacole, Signposts and Citizens Advice Bureau, the council provides support with issues such as debt, employment and housing advice.

Initiatives like the Find Your Own Home scheme are helping address Luton’s affordable housing shortage by encouraging residents to explore alternatives to social housing, such as private renting, rent deposit schemes and shared housing.

The council’s specialist Rough Sleeping Team, working with local partners such as Keystage Housing and NOAH Enterprise, has also delivered good progress with proactive outreach and year-round support to engage and support, ensuring a safe route away from the streets is offered.

• People sleeping rough reduced by 12% last year
• people new to rough sleeping has reduced by 30%
• people helped into accommodation has increased by 31%

Additional funding in 2025 enabled three new specialist accommodation services providing wraparound support for people experiencing mental health challenges and substance misuse.

As a result, the latest government ‘snapshot’ figures show rough sleeping in Luton fell by 56% on a typical night compared with 2024 – the second-largest reduction in absolute numbers nationally, and the highest percentage reduction outside London.

Councillor Rob Roche, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Revenue and Benefits at Luton Council said, “We are determined to tackle homelessness in all its forms. Ending the use of B&B accommodation for families and reducing rough sleeping are important milestones, but we know there is still more to do.

“This progress reflects the dedication of our Housing teams and the strength of our partnerships with the voluntary sector, health services and other agencies. By taking a coordinated, person-centred approach and by intervening early, investing in specialist support and working closely with partners, we are helping people move away from uncertainty and crisis and towards long-term stability.”

Helping to find an affordable home in Luton, the Find Your Own Home scheme can help if someone is homeless, or threatened with homelessness, and looking for the next place to live. Landlords are also being sought who have family homes for rent, who can be compensated to help house Luton residents. 

Residents concerned about someone sleeping rough can report this via StreetLink: (referrals go directly to the Outreach Team).