Systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-11)

This evaluation aims to improve understanding of the complex, cross-sector drivers of homelessness and identify where interventions can have the greatest impact.​

​​The systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. A series of reports will be published over its course.

​The first interim report uses systems thinking techniques to understand how homelessness and rough sleeping interacts with the wider system through interviews, systems mapping and a review of major homelessness and rough sleeping policies and programmes. The report also presents findings from evaluations of the Homelessness Prevention Grant, Rough Sleeping Initiative and Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme. It explores what is working well and less well and how the wider system is affecting the delivery of these programmes. The findings draw on fieldwork with central and local government stakeholders, their delivery partners, and people with lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping.​

​The deep dive report on criminal justice investigates how interactions between the criminal justice system and homelessness influence the risk of rough sleeping, using systems mapping, quantitative analysis, and qualitative fieldwork across five local areas. It explores pathways from prison into accommodation or homelessness, highlights structural barriers and service gaps, and examines how individual circumstances and demographics shape outcomes. Drawing on interviews with national, regional, and local stakeholders, as well as people with lived experience, the report identifies what is working well and less well and provides policy insights to improve support for individuals leaving prison. ​

​The evaluation of the accommodation for ex-offenders programme report reviews how the programme has been delivered and its early impact on housing stability for people leaving prison. Based on qualitative research in four areas and national monitoring data up to early 2024–25, it explores delivery approaches, outcomes such as tenancy sustainment, and unintended effects. ​

​The rapid evidence assessment on the interaction between the criminal justice system and homelessness and rough sleeping summarises the evidence on how involvement with the criminal justice system influences the risk and experience of homelessness, and what works in supporting people leaving prison into settled accommodation. ​

​The social housing allocations report examines how social housing allocation policies and practices influence homelessness and rough sleeping within the wider housing system. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork with 6 local authority areas, the report explores factors such as prioritisation of homeless households, qualification and affordability checks, and local connection criteria, alongside their implications for housing access and system pressures. The report also identifies areas where policy and practice could be adapted to better prevent homelessness.

​The supported housing report examines how supported housing interacts with the wider homelessness and rough sleeping system, focusing on the ways funding, commissioning and delivery influence outcomes. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork in 6 local areas, including interviews with national, regional and local stakeholders and people with lived experience, the report explores the role of supported housing in preventing and alleviating homelessness, alongside challenges such as declining provision, fragmented funding, and variable quality. The report also identifies policy insights to strengthen supported housing provision and its contribution to reducing homelessness and rough sleeping. ​

​The interaction with the asylum system report examines how aspects of asylum policy and practice intersect with the homelessness and rough sleeping system, focusing on the transition from asylum accommodation, eligibility for housing assistance, and integration into the community. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork in 6 local areas, including interviews with national, regional and local stakeholders, the report explores how factors such as notice periods, local connection rules, and housing supply influence refugees’ housing outcomes. It also considers the role of support from diaspora organisations and identifies policy insights to reduce the risk of homelessness and rough sleeping among refugees.