Concerns are growing over a rise in homelessness in London, with visible encampments of rough sleepers appearing in prominent public areas, including around the historic Marble Arch monument. Individuals have been observed washing in the fountains, lounging on walls, and gathering with their belongings in the vicinity, which is juxtaposed against high-end hotels and exclusive residential areas.
The situation near Marble Arch has drawn attention from local authorities and businesses. Westminster City Council stated its commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals while also addressing public concerns about safety and accessibility in public spaces. Councillor David Harvey, cabinet member for housing, emphasized that while support will be offered, the council will take action against those who refuse help and engage in anti-social behavior or unlawfully occupy public areas. Councillor Caroline Sargent, deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, called for a tougher police approach and legislative support from the Home Office to ensure public safety.
Reports indicate that some individuals engaging in such activities may be part of organized groups. A barista at a nearby Pret a Manger described some individuals working in shifts for begging, pickpocketing, or shoplifting. A security guard at a Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street reported that a group had been banned for repeatedly stealing items, including meat and alcohol, worth hundreds of pounds. Some individuals are reportedly from Eastern Europe, with some admitting to having no work documents and describing a difficult existence.
Last summer, Transport for London (TfL) reportedly spent over £113,000 in three months on a security firm to deter rough sleepers from returning to Park Lane, an area near Marble Arch that has seen encampments emerge over the past couple of years. Despite clearance efforts, the same individuals have reportedly returned.
Recent figures highlight the scale of rough sleeping in the capital. Last year, more than 13,000 people were found sleeping rough in London, a 10% increase from the previous year and four times the number from 16 years prior. The data also indicates that over 1,000 new rough sleepers' last settled base was asylum seeker accommodation, and 946 were undocumented and in Britain illegally. People from minority ethnic backgrounds constitute the majority of London's rough sleepers.
In response to the broader issue, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced over £442 million in funding to provide housing and specialist support for those sleeping rough, aiming to address long-term accommodation needs as well as physical and mental health and substance use issues. A TfL spokesperson stated that the area is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and that they are working with the Metropolitan Police to monitor the location and report illegal activity. TfL also noted that individuals previously sleeping rough at the site have been informed that their return is not an option and they will be removed, while collaborating with Westminster City Council's outreach teams.