Call for new council housing as councillors attend sleepout event
15/10/2025
There was a 9 percent increase in deaths of homeless people last year
Three Cherwell District Councillors took part in the Oxfordshire CEO Sleepout last Thursday – a fundraising event for the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement.
Council Chair Dorothy Walker was joined by colleagues Chris Brant and Lesley McLean for the event in University Parks last week, which was attended by over 40 business leaders.
During the Sleepout they heard powerful first-hand accounts from people who had once slept rough, but rebuilt their lives with the right support.
Figures released on the day of the event by the Museum of Homelessness showed that 1,611 people experiencing homelessness died in 2024 – a 9 percent increase on the previous year.
Councillor Brant believes investment in new Council Housing is needed to tackle the route causes of homelessness. He said: “One night in the cold is nothing compared to what thousands endure every night. We were reminded by someone who had slept rough that while we may be tired and freezing tonight, we won’t have to face this again tomorrow.
“Homelessness is not inevitable – it is a consequence of political choices. We must ensure everyone has the basic dignity of a safe home, and that means building council housing again in this country.”
So far the three Cherwell councillors have raised £1,798 in support of homeless charities.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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