Burnham makes ending rough sleeping his first policy pledge as prime minister

Andy Burnham has made ending long-term rough sleeping his first policy pledge as prime minister, vowing to tackle the issue "at the earliest opportunity." His government's initial steps will focus on securing stable housing for individuals who have been sleeping rough for extended periods, including the acquisition of appropriate properties.

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On my first day as prime minister, I'm announcing this government's commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity.

Burnham's commitment follows a significant increase in rough sleeping across England. Official government statistics released in February estimated 4,793 people were sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025, marking a new record high and the fourth consecutive annual rise. In Greater Manchester, the figures showed an increase to 197 rough sleepers in 2025, up from 154 in autumn 2024.

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We'll get to work immediately, bringing together national and local government with the investment needed to get it done.

Drawing on his experience as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he implemented the "A Bed Every Night" scheme, Burnham emphasized the need for a unified national effort. He referenced the successful "Everyone In" initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, which housed thousands of rough sleepers, as a model for current action. "Everybody pulling in the same direction, everyone in, as we did in the pandemic, because we did bring people inside in the pandemic," Burnham stated.

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We ran a scheme every night, 600 beds, called 'A Bed Every Night' and we funded it through various different ways. But we were the only place that was doing it.

Burnham's pledge echoes a similar commitment made by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who promised to provide immediate housing for those with a history of rough sleeping. The new prime minister's focus signals a significant shift in government priorities, aiming to address a persistent social issue with a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

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And you won't be able to get the numbers down if you're the only place and other cities, people are coming to Manchester.