Andy Burnham’s record on rough sleeping – as new PM makes £340m pledge

Andy Burnham is Prime Minister. Now what?

Andy Burnham, in his first speech as Prime Minister, pledged to end rough sleeping across the country, making it his government’s “first instruction”.
His government announced £340 million in funding to acquire 1,200 homes and provide intensive support for at least 3,000 long-term rough sleepers over five years.
This new funding is in addition to the previously announced £3.6 billion under the National Plan to End Homelessness, bringing the total to over £3.9 billion.
As Greater Manchester Mayor, Burnham also vowed to tackle rough sleeping, with data showing a 26% reduction since 2017, though numbers have risen sharply since 2021.
Critics, including the Conservatives, questioned the funding’s source and delivery plan.