Homelessness funds get £102m boost as Burnham launches drive to ‘get everyone in for Christmas’

The prime minister has promised that every person sleeping rough will be offered a route off the streets this winter if they need it.

Andy Burnham’s first act upon entering 10 Downing Street last month was to make a commitment to end rough sleeping in the UK.

In a statement yesterday, he set out the next steps to achieving this, with an additional £102m bringing the total funding for the initiative up to £442m.

According to the prime minister’s office, areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share of support, with new accommodation rolled out across the winter, learning from similar initiatives put in place during the pandemic.

Alongside emergency accommodation, the programme will offer practical help with housing, health and other needs.

Burnham will host a national summit this autumn to ask how business, finance, charities, health organisations, faith communities and others can help.

“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,” said Burnham

“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 of the cold. And let’s bring back hope.”