Rough sleeping will become a major focus of a new £442 million government programme in England, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham steps up efforts to tackle homelessness.
The plan aims to give everyone sleeping rough a route away from the streets before Christmas. However, ministers also want the programme to deliver longer-term housing solutions for people facing homelessness. The funding will support emergency accommodation during the winter. It will also provide practical assistance with housing, healthcare and other essential needs.
Burnham made ending rough sleeping his first major instruction after becoming Prime Minister. He now wants councils, charities and community organisations to help deliver that ambition. “No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station,” Burnham said. He also pointed to the coronavirus pandemic as an example of how quickly authorities can respond to homelessness.
During the pandemic, authorities moved thousands of people from the streets into temporary accommodation. Burnham believes similar urgency could help address the problem again. However, the Prime Minister stressed that government action alone cannot solve homelessness. He called on leaders across different sectors to contribute to the national effort.
The government will hold a national summit later this year. Business leaders, charities, health organisations and faith groups will take part in discussions about tackling homelessness. The summit will explore how different sectors can provide support and resources. Ministers hope the initiative will encourage communities to take greater responsibility for local solutions.
Meanwhile, the funding package will support more than 1,000 permanent homes. The government plans to deliver those properties over the next three years. The homes will support people experiencing long-term homelessness and housing insecurity. In addition, local authorities will receive funding based on the pressures they face.
Councils and mayors will decide how to organise support in their communities. The government has also issued guidance to help local authorities act quickly before winter. The guidance places particular emphasis on women experiencing rough sleeping. Officials say women can remain under-represented in official figures while facing significant risks.
Those risks include violence, exploitation and abuse. Therefore, councils should consider specialist accommodation and tailored support for vulnerable women. The guidance also recommends trauma-informed services for women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. The government links those measures to its wider strategy on violence against women and girls.
In addition, the programme will provide funding for community organisations working with people facing homelessness. Around £8.4 million will support projects through the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund. The funding will support 100 projects over three years. Small charities and community organisations will benefit from the scheme.
These groups often work directly with people experiencing homelessness or facing the risk of losing their homes. Their involvement could therefore prove important as councils implement the new measures. Homelessness charities have welcomed the government’s financial commitment. Crisis said the announcement could help England move closer to ending street homelessness.
However, the organisation warned that accommodation must come with sustained support. Without longer-term assistance, people could return to homelessness after leaving temporary accommodation. St Mungo’s also welcomed the government’s Christmas target. The charity said immediate action remains essential for people facing dangerous conditions outdoors.
At the same time, it stressed the importance of developing a lasting housing programme. The organisation argued that emergency accommodation should form part of a wider pathway towards permanent housing. The Big Issue also highlighted lessons from the pandemic response. Lord Bird said the government had previously shown that rapid action could bring people indoors.
Nevertheless, he warned against relying on short-term accommodation. He argued that people need stable homes rather than temporary shelter alone. Centrepoint also welcomed the additional funding. The youth homelessness charity said the financial commitment strengthened the government’s pledge.
Homeless Link praised the combination of emergency accommodation and longer-term housing support. Meanwhile, organisations supporting women welcomed the government’s focus on their specific needs. The £442 million package combines funding announced at different stages. The government previously committed £340 million towards longer-term accommodation.
The latest announcement adds another £102 million for immediate support. Together, the measures aim to provide emergency accommodation throughout the coming winter. They also seek to expand access to permanent housing and support services. The government now faces pressure to deliver visible results before Christmas.
Local councils will play a central role in turning the funding into practical assistance. Charities will also need to work closely with housing and health services. Furthermore, officials must ensure that people do not return to the streets after receiving help. For many people, the programme’s success will depend on access to secure homes. It will also depend on reliable support after people leave emergency accommodation. As a result, the government faces a significant challenge in meeting its ambitious deadline.
Rough sleeping therefore remains a major test for Burnham’s government. His Christmas target gives councils and service providers a clear deadline. The coming months will show whether the £442 million programme can deliver a lasting reduction in homelessness across England.
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