Andy Burnham is under pressure to establish a dedicated homelessness unit within the government to fulfill his commitment to eradicating rough sleeping. The Prime Minister made a promise to tackle the issue of rough sleeping in the UK during his inaugural speech outside Downing Street. Charities and individuals who have experienced homelessness have put forward proposals to address this escalating problem.
Recent official data revealed a concerning rise in the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of England in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of increased figures. Approximately 4,793 individuals were reported to have spent a night in tents, doorways, and parks during a single autumn evening in 2025, showing a 3% rise compared to the previous year and surpassing the peak seen in 2017.
Advocacy group Crisis has advocated for the formation of a specialized unit comprising government departments, mayors, local leaders, and delivery partners to spearhead efforts in addressing rough sleeping issues. They recommended adopting the Housing First initiative as a model for a national strategy and accelerating the allocation of the already committed £39 billion for social and affordable housing.
Matt Downie, Crisis’s Chief Executive, commended the Prime Minister for prioritizing the issue of rough sleeping early in his tenure, emphasizing the urgent need to address this visible and perilous form of homelessness. Downie highlighted the harsh realities faced by thousands of individuals forced to seek refuge on the streets, enduring violence and hardship that no one should have to endure.
Before announcing his commitment to tackling rough sleeping, Andy Burnham visited the Passage Homeless Charity in London to offer support and listen to the struggles of those affected. During his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham had aimed to eliminate rough sleeping in the region by 2020, making significant progress initially before witnessing a resurgence in numbers.
St. Mungos, a homeless charity, stressed the importance of housing as a fundamental solution to ending rough sleeping, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support services. Emma Haddad, St. Mungo’s Chief Executive, highlighted the necessity of providing support networks for individuals with substance abuse or other support requirements along with housing.
Ms. Haddad called for robust structures to prevent individuals from returning to the streets after being discharged from hospitals, released from prison, or following asylum claims. She advocated for the expansion of long-term support teams to assist individuals effectively over extended periods.
Former rough sleeper Lee, now a volunteer aiding others, emphasized the necessity of increased outreach teams to inform people about available support services and low-cost activities. He underscored the importance of engaging the local community to provide essential resources for individuals facing homelessness.
Kerri Douglas, who experienced homelessness in Westminster during her youth, welcomed the government’s intervention and stressed the significance of compassion in addressing homelessness. She shared her personal struggles and expressed optimism for the future under a leader who demonstrates empathy and effective strategies to support vulnerable populations.