UK government to double funding to clear rough sleepers by Christmas

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is doubling funding to support a pledge to give every rough sleeper in England a route off the streets by Christmas, BBC News reported. Down Street announced that a further 432 million pounds will be added to the initiative in Wednesday's Budget. [1]

Ending rough sleeping was one of Burnham's first promises when he entered Downing Street, BBC News reported. The prime minister originally announced a 442 million pound package to provide emergency accommodation and practical support when taking office. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Burnham became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2026. The government initiative follows historical programs like the Rough Sleepers Initiative, which was designed by the government to accommodate homeless people in emergency hostels. [4][8]

The announcement comes ahead of the first Rough Sleeping Summit at Downing Street on Monday, BBC News reported. Shadow housing secretary Katie Lam criticized Burnham, saying rough sleeping had hit record highs under Labour and noting he failed to end rough sleeping during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. [1]