Rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg', Norfolk charity warns
The Prime Minister announced a national drive to end rough sleeping "at the earliest opportunity", backed by an additional £340 million in funding.
Last updated 29th Jul 2026
A Suffolk and Norfolk homelessness charity has welcomed the Prime Minister's pledge to end rough sleeping, but says tackling homelessness will require more than simply providing people with a home.
In his first speech outside Downing Street, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an urgent national drive to end rough sleeping "at the earliest opportunity", backed by an additional £340 million in funding. The government says the investment will help provide 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 people as the first phase of a wider five-year programme.
Matt Garrod, Director of Operations at the Benjamin Foundation, which supports young people across Norfolk and Suffolk, said the announcement was "really encouraging", but urged caution until the plans are put into practice.
He told Greatest Hits Radio: "We're really encouraged to hear our Prime Minister talk that way, and I think the wider sector of organisations working around homelessness will welcome his initial stance.
"There's talk of about £340 million of new money being spent on homelessness. That's hugely encouraging.
"But, without wanting to sound too negative, we need to err on the side of caution because previous governments and previous Prime Ministers have made promises around ending homelessness that simply haven't been achievable."
The government says ending rough sleeping is a priority from "day one", arguing that years of national policy failure have contributed to the crisis. Ministers say local authorities, the NHS and public services will work together to help people move into secure housing before winter.
'It's about more than having a roof over your head'
While welcoming the commitment to increase housing, Mr Garrod said homelessness should not be viewed purely as a housing issue.
He said many of the young people supported by the Benjamin Foundation also need help with mental health, education, employment and other challenges before they can sustain independent living.
He said: "Housing is a huge issue, but there's so much more to homelessness than just the housing element.
"It's about a lack of opportunity, a lack of employment, challenges around mental health and, for some people, drug and alcohol issues.
"You cannot just think about housing in a singular way. It's really important we look at the whole picture if we're going to be successful."
'Rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg'
Mr Garrod also warned that focusing solely on rough sleeping risks overlooking people experiencing hidden homelessness.
He said many young people are living in overcrowded accommodation or sofa surfing with friends and relatives, despite not appearing in official rough sleeping figures.
He said: "Rough sleeping is almost just the tip of the iceberg.
"Below that is a lot of young people who are inappropriately housed, living in overcrowded conditions or sofa surfing with friends and family.
"That hidden homelessness challenge very much needs to be acknowledged by government."
Services remain under pressure
The Benjamin Foundation says demand for its supported accommodation remains high, with its services consistently operating at capacity.
Mr Garrod said that despite close working with local authorities in Norfolk and Suffolk, the need for homelessness support has not diminished.
"Our services are always full," he said.
"Young people are still coming to us in desperate need.
"There's been some great work done locally, but the problem doesn't seem to be going away, and I don't see that demand reducing."
Although he believes completely eradicating homelessness is unlikely, Mr Garrod said he supports the government's ambition and hopes ministers continue to work closely with charities delivering frontline services.
He added: "We're only really going to achieve success by working together."