Andy Burnham Pledges £432 Million to End Rough Sleeping

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a plan to double spending on ending rough sleeping in England, committing an additional £432 million. This funding increases the total budget to nearly £900 million by the end of the current parliament, supplementing an initial £442 million provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Burnham convened a summit at Downing Street with businesses, charities, and local leaders to coordinate the effort. Partner organizations, including the National Housing Federation, Virgin Media O2, St Mungo’s, and L’Oréal, pledged resources such as digital support and housing spaces. The initiative aims to establish long-term support and ensure every rough sleeper has a safe route off the streets by Christmas.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner described the goal as a big ambition. However, Shadow Housing Secretary Katie Lam criticized the expenditure, arguing that the government is wasting taxpayers' money on failed strategies. Lam specifically claimed that Burnham failed to solve the issue during his time in Greater Manchester and suggested that Chancellor John Healey should prioritize tax cuts over increased homelessness spending.