Andy Burnham Launches Plan to End Rough Sleeping

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a national plan to end rough sleeping, directing local councils to utilize a variety of housing options including studio flats, shared houses, B&Bs, hostels, and night shelters. Burnham likened the initiative to the Everyone In scheme used during the Covid-19 pandemic, asserting that the country can repeat that success to remove people from the cold.

Homelessness sector experts and rough sleepers have expressed skepticism regarding the plan's long-term viability. Representatives from the charities St Mungo's and Change Grow Live warned that the initiative may only provide a temporary solution. They argued that without permanent affordable housing, increased funding for mental health services, and sustainable move-on options, the plan will fail to permanently eradicate homelessness.