Prime Minister Andy Burnham Announces £442m Plan to End Rough Sleeping by Christmas

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a national drive to offer every rough sleeper in England a route off the streets by Christmas as part of a £442 million funding package. The initiative seeks to recreate the Everyone In scheme used during the coronavirus pandemic, which provided emergency accommodation to thousands of people. The total funding includes £340 million previously announced for long term settled accommodation and an additional £102 million for immediate winter routes, including £8.4 million for the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund to support charities and faith groups.

Government data from autumn 2025 showed a record high of 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single night in England, marking a fourth consecutive annual rise. While the Prime Minister stated that no one should have to sleep in a doorway, officials acknowledged that some people may remain on the streets because authorities cannot force individuals into accommodation. The government is not currently considering changing laws to mandate accommodation for those not deemed a priority need, such as families with children.

Reactions to the plan varied across the political spectrum. Center left coverage emphasized the Prime Minister's moral argument that rough sleeping has become an accepted part of the scenery and highlighted the focus on trauma informed support for women. Center coverage provided a more balanced view by including criticisms from Shadow housing secretary James Cleverley, who cited a lack of detail on delivery, and perspectives from homeless individuals and charities regarding the need to address foundational issues like hidden homelessness. The Prime Minister also announced plans for a national summit this autumn to engage business, finance, and health leaders in the effort to end street homelessness.