How to ease the pressure on housing services
Rising rough-sleeping numbers are creating growing operational and financial strains for housing providers across England.
The latest official statistics show that 4,793 people were recorded sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025, the highest figure since records began, and monthly estimates suggest the real number regularly exceeds 8,000. This increase is feeding into higher demand for housing providers’ services. More repeat presentations, greater pressure on temporary accommodation budgets, more complex support needs and longer waiting lists for ‘move on’ housing.
For many housing providers, the consequences are already tangible. Prevention teams are working harder to stop tenants from losing their homes and those already in the system are more regularly returning to rough sleeping after unsuccessful placements. This cycle adds significant cost and work at a time when budgets are already stretched, leading to regulators demanding stronger evidence of social value and ESG delivery.
In this environment, many housing providers are looking for practical, cost-effective ways to support people on the streets.
Introducing The Bank of BillyChip
Launched last month in partnership with Housing Technology, The Bank of BillyChip is a new initiative to enable housing providers and the sector’s IT suppliers to convert a small part of their CSR or community investment budgets into immediate, street-level support.
Every £2 donated becomes one physical BillyChip token. These tokens are distributed directly through specialist outreach teams that have already embedded the BillyChip model into their existing pathways for rough sleepers. The chips give individual service users choice and flexibility and are redeemable at any participating café or supermarket for hot and cold food, meal deals, drinks, clothing and other essentials.
Developing micro-flats
The funds raised through the Bank also support The BillyChip Foundation, which is already financing the construction of permanent micro-flats for people moving off the streets. These small, self-contained homes come with comprehensive wrap-around care, including mental health support, financial advice and work placement pathways to help residents make a stable transition into long-term housing.
Housing providers and technology suppliers supporting the Bank receive a number of direct benefits:
- Clear, auditable impact reports that help to demonstrate measurable social value and support ESG reporting.
- Bespoke social media content for internal staff communications and external channels.
- Amplified reach through BillyChip’s own social media communications.
Jon Hope, CEO, BillyChip, said, “Housing providers are on the front-line every day. While preventative work remains the priority, some people still sadly end up rough sleeping. The Bank of BillyChip offers a simple and transparent way to provide immediate dignified support on the streets while also contributing to longer-term housing solutions without pulling extra resource from core operations.”
Housing Technology’s support
The initiative was launched at the Housing Technology 2026 conference in March, following BillyChip’s ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award at last year’s Housing Technology Awards. Furthermore, Housing Technology has entered into an ongoing partnership with BillyChip to help bring the Bank to more organisations in this sector.
George Grant, CEO and co-founder, Housing Technology, said, “Many housing providers and technology companies want their CSR spend to deliver real, measurable impact that supports their broader objectives. The Bank of BillyChip provides a straightforward and accountable mechanism to achieve that.
“That’s why The Bank of BillyChip has Housing Technology’s full support and we urge our readership to join this compassionate community of ethically-minded organisations.”
Several housing providers are already exploring how the Bank can complement their existing homelessness prevention strategies, including through staff payroll-giving schemes that help build an internal culture of giving.
In a sector facing record demand and limited resources, practical tools that deliver visible impact with minimal additional burdens are increasingly valuable. The Bank of BillyChip is one such option, helping housing providers to extend their reach to people currently on the streets while also supporting the development of much-needed permanent micro-homes.
Jack Gascoigne is the communications director at BillyChip.
