In his inaugural speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham identified the elimination of rough sleeping across the UK as his primary policy goal. Burnham emphasized a shift toward investing in human potential rather than bearing the costs of social failure.
To support this initiative, the government has pledged an additional £340 million. This funding aims to secure 1,200 homes and provide comprehensive support services for at least 3,000 individuals. The strategy focuses on transitioning long-term rough sleepers into stable, permanent housing through the acquisition of suitable properties.
While serving as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham previously set a goal to end rough sleeping by 2020. Although data from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority indicates a rise in local figures by 2025, Burnham argued that the numbers remain significantly lower than when he first took office. He noted that past efforts like the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme were hindered because they functioned in isolation, highlighting the need for a unified, nationwide approach.
Reflecting on the ‘Everyone In’ program from the Covid-19 pandemic, Burnham expressed confidence that collective action can successfully house vulnerable populations. Official statistics show that in the autumn of 2025, 4,793 people were recorded sleeping rough in England on a single night, marking a record high. The Prime Minister intends to bring national and local government bodies together to address this trend immediately.
