New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that his first instruction in office will be to end rough sleeping.
The commitment, made in his first speech outside Downing Street (20 July), was backed by the announcement of an urgent national programme that includes intensive support for people experiencing long-term rough sleeping and additional investment to provide homes.
Welcoming the new Prime Minister’s announcement, Sarah Gorman, Chief Executive of Oasis Community Housing, said:
“The new Prime Minister’s commitment to end rough sleeping sends a powerful signal that homelessness must be recognised as a national priority. Nobody should have to sleep on our streets, and we welcome the ambition and urgency shown from day one.
“However, rough sleeping is only the visible tip of the iceberg. For every person sleeping rough, many more are living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing or facing the daily fear of losing their home. If we are serious about ending homelessness, we need a strategy that addresses the whole picture, including a homelessness prevention approach.
“Successive governments have pledged to end rough sleeping over the past decade, yet today the number of people sleeping rough across England is higher than at any point since official records began. That underlines just how challenging this issue is — but also why it demands sustained national leadership.
“The Prime Minister has already made significant strides in tackling rough sleeping in Greater Manchester, demonstrating what can be achieved through long-term leadership, proper investment, and partnership across national and local government, charities and communities.
“We look forward to seeing those lessons applied nationally, alongside a comprehensive approach that tackles all forms of homelessness, not just the most visible.”