By Ellie Gosley

Copyright walesonline

A “deeply troubling” number of people who were homeless in Wales died last year, new data has revealed. An investigation carried out by leading homelessness organisation The Museum of Homelessness found that 1611 people experiencing homelessness in the UK died in 2024, an average of four deaths per day. This figure is a 9% rise on the previous year, something the charity says is “devastating”. The number of deaths in Wales was 90, down from 97 the year before. Leading Welsh homelessness and rough sleep charity The Wallich described the figures as “shattering”. The Wallich interim CEO Sian Aldrige: “W hile it’s reassuring to see a drop in the number of deaths of people while homeless in Wales to 90 – it’s still 90 too many.” The area of Wales to see the highest number of deaths was Cardiff , where 23 people died while homeless in 2024. This was followed by Bridgend with 11, and Swansea with 10. There has been a “spike” in deaths in Bridgend, with two deaths recorded the year prior. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The investigation found that the average life expectancy of someone sleeping rough in the UK is 45 for a man and 43 for a woman, a figure The Wallich say hasn’t changed since the 90s. According to the Museum of Homelessness, the majority of deaths are linked to suicide or drugs, with spice and nitazenes becoming increasingly deadly. The organisation describes these incidences as “death of despair”. A national vigil is being held to remember all those who have died while homeless on October 9, opposite Downing Street. The statistics from the Museum of Homelessness include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation, and other insecure settings. They compiled each fatality was through a freedom of information request, coroners’ report, charity or family member. Strategic lead for the project, Gill Taylor said: “With heavy hearts, we report the deaths of 1611 people who died whilst homeless in 2024. Whilst it is positive that local authorities and Safeguarding Adult Boards appear to be taking the issue more seriously, with better reporting and evidence of improved local partnership working to prevent deaths, turning the tide on this enormous loss of life needs more than better counting. “We remember with love all those who died and continue our work in solidarity with bereaved loved ones and the homeless community.” The Wallich called on the Welsh Government to act to expand access to homelessness services and prioritise allocation of social housing by getting the Homelessness and Social Allocation Bill into law. Ms Aldrige said: “To improve the lives of people on the streets in Wales, we’ve got to have sensible conversations about health inclusion and mental health, sensible conversations about drugs and sensible policy to tackle the housing deficit. “The Wallich urges Welsh Government to get the Homelessness and Social Allocation Bill into law as soon possible to tackle housing inequality.” Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice