Andy Burnham is under pressure to establish a specialized unit within the government to tackle homelessness effectively and fulfill his commitment to eradicate rough sleeping. The new Prime Minister made a bold promise to eliminate rough sleeping nationwide in his inaugural address outside Downing Street. Charities and individuals with firsthand experience of homelessness have outlined key actions to put an end to this issue.
Recent official data revealed a record high number of people sleeping rough on the streets of England in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of increasing figures. Approximately 4,793 individuals were reported to have slept in tents, doorways, and parks on a single night in autumn 2025, reflecting a 3% rise from the previous year and surpassing the peak seen in 2017.
Advocacy group Crisis has advocated for the establishment of a new unit that would bring together various government departments, mayors, local leaders, and delivery partners to drive initiatives aimed at addressing rough sleeping. They proposed leveraging the Housing First program as a model for a national strategy and expediting the allocation of the already committed £39 billion for social and affordable housing.
Matt Downie, Crisis’ Chief Executive, commended the Prime Minister for prioritizing the issue of rough sleeping from day one, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this visible and perilous form of homelessness. He highlighted the harsh realities faced by thousands forced to seek shelter on the streets, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions.
Prior to his pledge, Andy Burnham visited the Passage Homeless Charity in London to lend a hand and listen to the stories of those grappling with homelessness. While serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham had set a goal to eradicate rough sleeping in the region by 2020, achieving significant progress initially before encountering a rise in numbers.
In addition to his personal contributions, where he donated a portion of his salary to a homelessness fund and the “A Bed Every Night” initiative, Burnham’s efforts have been instrumental in advancing the cause. Homeless charity St Mungos emphasized the critical role of housing in ending rough sleeping and stressed the importance of providing comprehensive support services alongside accommodation.
Emma Haddad, St Mungo’s Chief Executive, highlighted the necessity of support systems for individuals with substance abuse issues or specific needs, beyond just housing provision. She called for structured interventions to prevent individuals from returning to the streets after hospital discharges, prison releases, or asylum claims, advocating for sustained support frameworks.
Haddad also lauded Burnham’s commitment to addressing rough sleeping and stressed the importance of continued personal ownership and leadership from the Prime Minister’s office to drive tangible change. Former rough sleeper Lee, now a volunteer aiding others, echoed the need for enhanced outreach efforts to connect individuals with available support services and resources in their communities.
Similarly, Kerri Douglas, who experienced homelessness in Westminster during her youth, welcomed the intervention and emphasized the significance of compassion in tackling homelessness. She expressed optimism about the leadership’s compassionate approach and its potential to positively impact individuals facing homelessness.
