Andy Burnham pledges to end rough sleeping in England with £340m 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to end rough sleeping in England with an additional £340m over three years, marking his first major policy announcement. The funding aims to replicate homelessness schemes he piloted as Greater Manchester mayor, providing 1,200 new homes and supporting 3,000 people over five years.

The Pledge to End Rough Sleeping

Speaking outside Downing Street after becoming prime minister, Burnham said he would try to get people off the streets “at the earliest opportunity”. The announcement was welcomed by homelessness campaigners, who believe the goal is achievable with sufficient money and political will. Critics, however, pointed to rising street homelessness during Burnham’s tenure as mayor, despite a similar pledge.

The £340m investment will be drawn from unused portions of the housing department’s budget, officials confirmed. This comes on top of £3.5bn allocated by the previous government, which aimed to halve long-term rough sleeping. The newly appointed housing secretary will oversee the strategy.

Comparison of Homelessness Spending

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• £340m extra funding over three years for homelessness services.
• 1,200 new homes and support for 3,000 individuals over five years.
• Emulates the “Everyone In” policy from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Previous target under former Housing Secretary Steve Reed (sacked) was to halve rates.

Political Reactions and Challenges

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had planned a similar pledge if elected. Critics question whether Burnham can succeed after his record in Greater Manchester, where homelessness rose for four consecutive years. Supporters argue the national approach provides more resources and coordination.

FAQ

The government is expected to release detailed implementation plans in the coming weeks. For now, Burnham’s first act as prime minister signals a strong focus on housing and social welfare.