Andy Burnham's Ambitious Plan to Eradicate Rough Sleeping in England

London, United Kingdom Jul 24, 2026 ALN: As the clock approaches midnight, two outreach workers from Spear, a homelessness charity in south London, shine their torches around the bushes lining a park in Twickenham. They suddenly discover a makeshift encampment, complete with sleeping bags, airbeds, and personal belongings—evidence of a rough sleeping crisis that has escalated in recent days. This scene is becoming increasingly common in urban areas across England, as the number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to rise.

“We are seeing numbers going up which is really not what we want,” says Peter Bancroft, the operations manager at Spear. “And it is everyone from individuals with complex mental health and substance use issues, to people who have either had a relationship breakdown or lost their job and fallen behind with their rental payments.” The diverse backgrounds of those affected highlight the complexity of the homelessness issue, which cannot be attributed to a single cause. Economic downturns, insufficient mental health support, and the lack of affordable housing are just a few of the factors contributing to this growing crisis.

In a bold move during his inaugural speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has vowed to eradicate rough sleeping in England, announcing an additional £340 million in funding. This announcement has been met with a mixture of hope and skepticism. While many homelessness charities have welcomed the pledge, there remains a degree of skepticism. Previous leaders, including Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer, made similar promises, yet rough sleeping numbers have surged to 4,793—the highest on record. The challenge lies not only in securing funding but also in effectively implementing strategies that lead to sustainable change.

During their shift, the Spear outreach workers are tasked with following up on nine referrals for new rough sleepers reported in Wandsworth and Richmond over the past 48 hours. Their route takes them through graveyards, parks, and shop doorways, where they encounter individuals sleeping in tents, cars, and on the ground. Some are receptive to offers of help, while others decline assistance, reflecting the varied experiences and perceptions of homelessness. Many individuals may be hesitant to accept help due to past negative experiences with services or a desire for independence.

Two individuals with drug addiction issues, who had emergency council accommodation until two weeks ago, lost their housing after failing to utilize it. This emphasizes the importance of not only providing shelter but also ensuring that individuals are supported in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to their homelessness. Bancroft emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, stating, “I would love to be able to say homelessness services can deal with this, but I’ve been playing the game a long time now and I know the best results have been in partnership with other services.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the sector that tackling homelessness requires a multifaceted strategy that encompasses health care, social services, and community support.

Burnham's rough sleeping strategy is still in its infancy, but it is expected to build on the success of his A Bed Every Night scheme in Manchester, which allowed all rough sleepers access to support, regardless of local connections or public funding eligibility. This initiative also provided individuals with dedicated case workers to address multiple issues beyond housing, running alongside a Housing First pilot scheme aimed at the most complex cases. The Housing First model has gained traction in various parts of the world, as it prioritizes providing stable housing before addressing other challenges such as mental health or substance use disorders.

Experts argue that funneling vulnerable rough sleepers into communal living spaces, such as hostels, often exacerbates the problem, pushing individuals back into homelessness. Despite Burnham's pledge for the “biggest council housebuilding programme since the postwar period,” housing minister Angela Rayner has acknowledged that the country is still far from achieving this goal. The lack of available and affordable housing remains a significant barrier to effectively addressing homelessness. Many areas in England are experiencing a housing crisis, with soaring property prices and rents leaving low-income individuals and families struggling to find suitable accommodation.

Francesca Albanese, executive director of policy and social change at Crisis, asserts, “For a long time in England we’ve just been maintaining the status quo, so putting lots of money into hostels, emergency and temporary accommodation – managing homelessness not ending it.” She advocates for a shift towards permanent housing solutions, emphasizing the need for a national rollout of the Housing First model. This approach not only provides immediate shelter but also fosters long-term stability by offering ongoing support and resources to help individuals maintain their housing and reintegrate into society.

Ray, a 53-year-old who spent years navigating homelessness, reflects on his journey from sofa surfing to temporary accommodations that felt like “barely nicer than a prison cell.” His life turned around only after receiving support from Crisis and being offered a social home. “The biggest thing for me is the government should be opening front doors again for people to come into and not putting all the pressure on charities,” he states. His experience underscores the importance of governmental involvement in addressing homelessness and the need for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond temporary solutions.

As the cost of living crisis deepens, various policies are believed to be contributing to the rise in rough sleeping. Local housing allowance rates have been frozen, widening the gap between benefits and rental costs, leading to increased rent arrears. This financial strain on vulnerable populations is compounded by rising inflation and stagnant wages, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to secure stable housing. Additionally, charities report a growing number of rough sleepers who are former prisoners or asylum seekers granted refugee status. These groups often face additional challenges in accessing housing and support services, further complicating the landscape of homelessness.

Experts stress that any initiative to eradicate rough sleeping must address these multifaceted issues, highlighting that many rough sleepers, particularly women, remain unrepresented in national statistics. Lucy Campbell from the Single Homeless Project urges Burnham to acknowledge the true scale of the crisis, stating, “If Andy Burnham is serious about ending rough sleeping, he needs to be the first political leader who’s not going to shy away from saying, actually, the figures are much higher than we think they are.” Her call for transparency reflects a broader concern within the sector that current statistics may not fully capture the extent of the homelessness crisis, particularly among marginalized populations.

She emphasizes the need for tailored solutions, noting that generic homelessness initiatives often fail to meet the diverse needs of different communities, including women and the LGBTQ+ population. These groups often face unique challenges and barriers that require specialized approaches in order to effectively address their specific circumstances. A one-size-fits-all approach may overlook the complexities and nuances of homelessness, leading to less effective interventions.

In conclusion, while Andy Burnham's ambitious plan to eradicate rough sleeping in England has the potential to bring about meaningful change, it will require a concerted effort from government, charities, and communities alike. Addressing the root causes of homelessness, providing adequate funding for sustainable housing solutions, and ensuring that support services are accessible and effective will be crucial in the fight against rough sleeping. As the crisis continues to unfold, the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing homelessness has never been more apparent.