The number of people sleeping rough on Lincoln’s streets is on the increase, according to a council report. During the most recent count in November, 21 people were spotted on the streets, with eviction being blamed as the leading reason.
This is the second highest for a district in Lincolnshire, with South Holland recording 24 and Boston and East Lindsey each recording 17 rough sleepers.
The City of Lincoln Council is looking at trialling a new overnight service for those who have no other option.
The authority is also facing challenges keeping people from becoming homeless, which may include those sofa surfing or in temporary housing.
328 people at risk of homelessness approached the council between October and December – more than double the number for the same time in 2023.
The council was only able to prevent 36 per cent of them from being classified as homeless. It says this is due to difficulty finding accommodation in the city.
The report, which will be discussed at the full council meeting next week, warns there is “a housing crisis both locally and nationally.”
“Homelessness numbers are on the increase and the cost of temporary accommodation is a continuing challenge not just for our council but for councils up and down the country,” it says.
“The reasons for rough sleeping vary with the largest number in Lincoln being due to being evicted from accommodation.
“A small number of cases were due to prison or hospital discharge.
“We are looking to trial an overnight ‘sit-up service’ at [homeless service] Pathways which will help keep safe and warm the most vulnerable who have no other options.
“This will be paid for out of the winter pressures funding we receive from the government.”