Stockport is currently facing 'record levels' of homelessness as the number of people sleeping on the streets quadruples.

Between 2020 and 2025, the number of people presenting to Stockport council as homeless has increased by 1,155, This is a rise of nearly 72% and between 2019 and 2025 the number of people rough sleeping has quadrupled.

Rough sleeping figures show Stockport is now only behind Manchester and ahead of the eight other boroughs in Greater Manchester. While the A Bed Every Night scheme does provide emergency accommodation, there is currently a waiting list and people are having to share spaces which is not ideal for those with complex needs.

The most common reasons for homelessness are either family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate people, the end of a private rented tenancy, those leaving Home Office accommodation, and domestic abuse. The local authority said as a result of demand, it has seen a 'sharp rise' in hotels and bed and breakfasts being used 'due to insufficient supply of suitable alternatives'.

In the report's foreword, councillor Jake Austin, who oversees the council's service, said homelessness 'remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities' but the council was determined to make sure 'everyone has access to safe, secure, and sustainable housing'.

He added: "Over the past year, we have seen increasing pressures on housing, driven by rising private rents, the cost-of-living crisis, and a shortage of affordable homes. These challenges have led to record levels of homelessness presentations.

"Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story and our response must be compassionate, effective, and collaborative."

Cllr Austin said the local authority would look to reduce homelessness and give everyone the opportunity 'to thrive in a safe and stable home', but added the local authority 'cannot achieve this alone'.

To tackle rising homelessness, the council said it would be looking at further early intervention building on homelessness prevention rates that are above both the national and regional averages. It will enhance access to housing advice, expand financial support, embed pathways to keep people away from homelessness, and improve data.

On health, the local authority plans to strengthen support, make sure this is trauma-informed and person-centred, address inequalities, and improve people's access to benefits supporting their income.

With housing, the report said: "Stockport faces a housing shortage due to limited land supply, delays in adopting a Local Plan, and Green Belt protections that restrict development. The decline in affordable and social housing, driven by low delivery rates and loss of social housing through Right to Buy, adds further pressure.

"In addition, rising demand and high property prices make homes less accessible. These combined factors create significant challenges in meeting local housing needs. Ensuring individuals and families have access to safe, secure, and sustainable housing is central to preventing and resolving homelessness.

"Whilst homelessness is multifaceted, the main contributing factor is the lack of truly affordable housing."

Between 2010 and 2026, house prices have increased in Stockport by 116% while rents have gone up by 113% between 2020 and 2025. The borough currently has a shortfall of 1,305 affordable homes each year.

However since 2021, the number of affordable homes built has massively increased. This has gone from 68 to 278 a year and the local authority plans to build more as part of its regeneration plans for Stockport town centre.

Going forward, the local authority wanted to improve access to the private rented sector, support people to maintain their tenancies, and promote safety.