Burnham launches £442m campaign to end rough sleeping by Christmas
The UK government is directing funding to local leaders to tackle homelessness, though campaigners warn the underlying accommodation crisis remains severe.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £442 million national initiative to eliminate rough sleeping in England by Christmas, describing the issue as having become 'part of the scenery'. The campaign aims to replicate the success of the pandemic-era “Everyone In” scheme through a coordinated national effort, with funding directed to local leaders to determine regional needs without central mandates.
Burnham stated he would not instruct local authorities or mayors on how to deploy the funds, asserting that regional leaders are best positioned to identify local needs. The government is not currently considering legislative changes to mandate accommodation for all rough sleepers, as current obligations only apply to those with “priority need”, such as families with children.
While homelessness campaigners welcomed the initiative, they warned that the longer-term temporary accommodation crisis remains severe. The UK currently faces the worst homelessness problem in the western world, driven by a severe shortage of suitable housing options for those exiting temporary accommodation.
In related policy developments, Burnham confirmed a partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority to take local control of bus services to protect jobs threatened by National Express. The parent company had indicated it was leaving the market, prompting the government to intervene to safeguard employment in the region.
The Prime Minister also addressed a recent text exchange with an impersonator of US President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, stating no consequential information was shared. Additionally, Justice Secretary Alex Norris is reviewing the early release scheme for prisoners to enhance public safety, with findings expected when parliament returns.
Green energy entrepreneur and Labour donor Dale Vince has urged the government to allow more drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea, specifically for the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects. Vince suggested price controls on oil and gas to make them cheaper than imported energy, marking a shift in his previous stance on fossil fuel extraction.
Burnham is expected to visit a homelessness charity in the north-east later today as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to demonstrate commitment to the new winter campaign.
