Key facts
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a "national drive" to end rough sleeping by Christmas.
- An additional £100 million will be allocated for services supporting rough sleepers.
- The initiative aims to offer a route off the streets to anyone who wants one.
- The government previously committed £340 million over three years for new accommodation.
- Homelessness charities welcomed the announcement but stressed the need for long-term solutions.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a "national drive" to ensure all rough sleepers in England are offered a route off the streets by Christmas, pledging an additional £100 million for support services. Burnham described rough sleeping as a problem that has become "part of the scenery" but argued that a Covid-style national effort could resolve it.
The new funding will bolster existing efforts, which include a previous commitment of £340 million over three years to provide 1,200 new homes and support for 3,000 individuals over five years. The additional £102 million announced will fund services such as medical care and addiction support, with £8.4 million designated for charities through the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund.
Burnham stated that local leaders would determine the best use of the funds for their areas, and there are no plans to change the law to compel local authorities to house every rough sleeper, as current obligations are limited to those deemed a "priority need." Acknowledging that some individuals may still remain on the streets if they refuse accommodation, the government is not setting a specific reduction target but expects "real progress."
Homelessness campaigners welcomed the prime minister's announcement, with Sarah Elliott, CEO of Shelter, calling it a "game-changing move." However, she emphasized the need for similar ambition to address the crisis of nearly 178,000 children living in temporary accommodation. John Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue, echoed this sentiment, noting that the pandemic proved collective action can effectively house rough sleepers.