Reading Borough Council has reported that the number of people sleeping on the streets in Reading, Berkshire, has remained stable over the past year. According to the latest figures released on 2 March 2026, an official count found 43 people sleeping rough during a single night in November 2025. This total is nearly identical to the underlying figure of 42 people recorded during the same period in 2024.
The steady local numbers come as rough sleeping across England rose by 3% in 2025, marking the fourth year in a row that national totals have increased. In Reading, the council and its partners currently provide more than 270 supported accommodation spaces alongside emergency winter services. Outreach teams from Reading Borough Council confirmed that all but one of the 43 individuals identified were already known to local support services.
Several organisations, including Launchpad Reading, St Mungo’s, and The Salvation Army, work with the local authority to provide specialist support and beds. Councillor Matt Yeo, the lead for housing, noted that while the figures are consistent, the council remains focused on helping people with complex needs who may struggle to accept traditional housing offers. Residents can continue to use the Tap for Reading scheme to donate directly to these support services.
The council is now set to debate a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy during a meeting on 10 March 2026. This plan will set out how the town will continue to provide outreach and long-term accommodation for those in need. The stable figures mean that current levels of support and street outreach are expected to continue at their existing pace throughout the year.
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