A charity tackling homelessness in Lincolnshire is urging new PM to turn promises into action
Andy Burnham says ending long-term rough sleeping across the UK will be one of his top priorities
A charity supporting homeless people in Lincolnshire is urging the new prime minister to turn promises into action when it comes to tackling rough sleeping.
Andy Burnham says ending long-term rough sleeping across the UK will be one of his top priorities.
What did Andy Burnham promise?
Andy Burnham pledged millions in funding to help at least 3,000 rough sleepers, as he made tackling homelessness his first official policy announcement as prime minister.
The new leader, in a promise which does not appear to have a specific target deadline, committed his Government to “finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity”.
In further details set out by No 10, £340 million funding was announced to go towards acquiring suitable homes, identifying those most in need and starting to provide housing and support “without delay”.
1,200 homes...
The funding will provide 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 long-term rough sleepers over a five-year period, the Government said.
Steve Watson is from Framework, who support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Sheffield.
He said tackling rough sleeping is about more than putting a roof over someone's head: "There are lots of reasons why someone may be rough sleeping.
"Giving someone a home is an important step, but it is only the first step. Homelessness builds up over time, whether that is because of economic issues, because of inequality or affordability.
"There needs to be better funding for mental health services, substance abuse and alcohol abuse services and employment support. What we find is if people have reliable employment, many want to move towards independence.
"I was pleasantly surprised he put this at the centre of his first address. I hope it is more than just a nice throwaway at the start of his first speech," he said.
A new record high...
The latest annual national statistics, published by the Government in February this year, estimated there were 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025 in England.
This was a new record high and the fourth annual increase in a row.