Rough sleeper numbers in the Dorset Council area have fallen to their lowest level since two thousand and twenty two, despite increases across the South West and England.
The latest annual snapshot recorded fourteen people sleeping rough in Dorset in two thousand and twenty five, down from fifteen in both two thousand and twenty four and two thousand and twenty three. Numbers remain relatively stable compared with twelve in two thousand and twenty two and thirteen in two thousand and twenty one.
Across the South West there has been an eleven per cent rise, while the figure for England increased by three per cent to four thousand seven hundred and ninety three, the highest since records began in two thousand and ten.
Weymouth continues to see the highest concentration locally, with smaller numbers in Bridport, Dorchester, Swanage and Wimborne. Dorset Council receives funding through the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant, supporting ten commissioned services and internal posts.
Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio Lead for Housing and Health, said providers do an amazing job helping tackle rough sleeping and the council works closely with partners to put support and accommodation in place wherever possible.
Support includes outreach from Julian House, specialist advice from Citizens Advice and Shelter, and a housing advice helpline offering early help to prevent homelessness.
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