UK pledges £442m to get rough sleepers off streets by Christmas

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a national drive to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas, backed by a £442 million government pledge. The funding aims to provide immediate routes off the streets and support people into settled accommodation.

The initiative will offer emergency housing and practical assistance with housing, health, and other essential needs. The government stated the program is fully funded from uncommitted budgets within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

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No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it. I won’t accept it. That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping. And it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas. We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again. But it needs all of us. Government will put the money in. But I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too. Let’s get people out the cold. And let’s bring back hope.

Burnham emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station.” He drew a parallel to the collective action seen during the pandemic, asserting, “We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again.” He called for a united effort, with the government providing funds and community leaders playing a local role.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner affirmed the government's commitment, saying, “Today we’re delivering on that promise.” The plan includes creating over 1,000 settled homes within three years, coupled with intensive support for individuals experiencing long-term homelessness. Areas facing the most significant challenges will receive the largest share of the funding, with councils and mayors tasked with implementing local strategies.

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When the Prime Minister pledged to end rough sleeping, we said we’d move urgently from words to action. Today we’re delivering on that promise. This funding will help thousands of people leave the streets behind, move into secure homes and get the support they need to rebuild their lives. Working alongside councils, mayors and charities, we’re backing local areas to tackle rough sleeping at its roots, giving people the security, dignity and opportunity they deserve, and restoring hope to tho