Homelessness crisis in Salford worsens as thousands seek support
More people in Salford seek homelessness support as rent prices continue to rise
Thousands more people are seeking homelessness support in Salford according to new figures.
A housing and homelessness ‘crisis’ was declared in January 2024 and since then the number of people facing life on the street has grown.
A total of 9,436 homelessness presentations were made to the council in the last 12 months up to March 30, higher than the figures of 7,716 and 6,016 in the previous two years.
The figures were shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Salford council has updated its annual homelessness plan.
It includes a focus on early homelessness prevention ‘whenever possible’ before people reach crisis point, and offering ‘quality support’ to those who find themselves in difficult circumstances, among other measures.
The issue is partly down to the cost of housing.
Rent and property prices are continuing to grow in Salford while the city undergoes major regeneration.
Swathes of the city have been transformed in the last few decades, with major changes in areas such as Salford Quays and Greengate bringing new apartment blocks and businesses.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), private rents in Salford increased to an average of £1,162 in February 2026, a 5.3 per cent rise from 2025.
The average house price in the city was £225,000 in January 2026 as per the ONS data, up 1.2 per cent from the previous year.
Temporary accommodation stays are also increasing in Salford.
The total number of people who stayed in emergency housing hit 806 at the end of 2024/25, up from 519 in 2022/23.
Salford council spent more than £11m on temporary accommodation in 2024/25, up from £8m in 2023/24.
A Salford council spokesperson said: “The updated plan sets our approach to preventing homelessness in the city.
“Early intervention is key to this strategy so we are working more proactively in key areas, such as hospitals and schools, and making sure that people at risk are identified early and get the vital support they need.
“This is not just a council plan, it is a shared responsibility across all key sectors in the city. It is only through a coordinated approach that we will prevent homelessness. For example, nobody should be discharged from hospital into homelessness.
“We are also working hard to improve the experience and outcome for families in temporary accommodation in the city.”