The promise to eradicate rough sleeping in England by the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, marks a watershed moment in the nation's battle against homelessness. With an unprecedented £340 million investment over three years, the government seeks to deliver on its ambitious pledge to get individuals off the streets "at the earliest opportunity". This significant commitment is backed by an additional £113 million annually, repurposed from unused funds within the housing department's existing budget.
Government officials claim that this substantial allocation will facilitate the creation of 1,200 new homes and provide vital support to 3,000 people over a five-year period. The announcement supplements the previous government's £3.5 billion homelessness strategy, which aimed to halve long-term rough sleeping rates by 2024. The move coincides with a cabinet reshuffle, with Steve Reed, the former Housing Secretary responsible for the previous strategy, no longer in post.
Burnham's initiative draws on the success of policies like the 'Everyone In' scheme, temporarily implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his own pledge to eliminate rough sleeping within three years as Greater Manchester Mayor. Early results in Manchester saw a significant drop in rough sleeping figures – by two-thirds in his first five years – attributed to improved collaboration between local councils and government bodies. However, critics point out that rough sleeping has increased in each of the past four years in Greater Manchester, now standing at three-quarters of its 2017 level.
James Cleverly, Shadow Housing Secretary, dismissed Burnham's record, stating, "His initial success was followed by failure once his focus shifted." However, homelessness campaigners largely welcome the Prime Minister's pledge, asserting that sufficient financial backing and political will can achieve this ambitious goal. The new policy aims to foster greater collaboration between national and local government, drawing on lessons from regional initiatives.
The long-term effectiveness of this strategy will depend on sustained focus and the ability to navigate complex challenges contributing to rough sleeping nationwide. Burnham's pledge faces scrutiny, but it also presents an opportunity for a renewed commitment to tackling homelessness in England.