Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a national drive to end long-term rough sleeping, backed by £340 million in additional funding to provide urgent support before winter and help local leaders deliver housing-led, wraparound assistance.
The government said the package is designed to move quickly on one of the Prime Minister’s early priorities in office, building on his pledge in his first speech as Prime Minister to make ending rough sleeping a national mission.
Ministers said the funding would help councils and charities expand emergency provision, accelerate moves into stable accommodation and strengthen the joined-up support that prevents people returning to the streets.
Labour figures said the approach reflects a belief that economic success should be measured not only by growth figures, but by whether the most vulnerable people can access a safe place to call home.
The Prime Minister’s first speech as Prime Minister on 20 July 2026 placed housing and opportunity at the centre of his programme, including a major push to end rough sleeping, build more council homes and support young people into work.
Charities including The Passage, which works with people experiencing homelessness in London, have been highlighted as partners in the kind of practical, community-rooted support the government wants to scale.
Labour Home will continue to follow implementation of the rough sleeping strategy as councils and charities prepare for the winter period.
