UPDATE: A staggering 468 referrals for individuals sleeping rough have been reported in East Lindsey over the past year, highlighting a growing homelessness crisis. The East Lindsey District Council disclosed these alarming figures during a meeting on October 14, 2024, revealing that the number of referrals has surged from 440 for 362 people in the previous year.
Officials are sounding the alarm as they grapple with the challenges posed by this increase. Carol Rippin, team leader for the rough sleeping intervention team at the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, stated that the council faces significant hurdles, including the mobility of rough sleepers and vague information regarding their safety. “We have an increasing number of referrals,” said Rippin, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach.
The surge in homelessness is particularly impacting young people, many of whom are struggling with the soaring costs of living and housing. “The cost of living and universal credit limitations make housing unaffordable, especially for under-25-year-olds,” Rippin explained. She noted that selective landlords are increasingly unwilling to rent to individuals on benefits, which exacerbates the issue. “These people are lost to the system, lost to themselves, and lost to their friends and family,” she added, underscoring the human cost of the crisis.
Despite these challenges, the council’s rough sleeping team is actively working to reduce homelessness. Between March 2024 and April 2025, they successfully assisted 113 people in finding accommodation, primarily in privately rented, social housing, or supported housing. Rippin stated, “We’re looking at preventing rough sleeping wherever possible, and wherever it does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurrent.”
The team focuses on critical areas such as addiction, mental health, and re-offending, aiming to build trust and encourage engagement among those affected. However, Rippin acknowledged the difficulty in reaching everyone, as some individuals sleeping rough express a reluctance to seek help.
As the number of referrals continues to rise, the East Lindsey District Council is committed to collaborating with other councils, health services, and community organizations to tackle this urgent issue. “We have strong partnerships with councils in other areas, health services, and community groups and organizations,” Rippin remarked.
This ongoing situation presents an urgent need for community awareness and support as authorities strive to improve conditions for some of the most vulnerable members of society. The council’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the crisis, but as the numbers indicate, a concerted effort from the entire community will be necessary to effect real change.
Stay tuned for further updates as East Lindsey officials continue to address the rising tide of homelessness and strive for effective solutions.
