Prime minister announces 442 million pounds to house rough sleepers by Christmas

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £442 million plan in late 2024 to house all rough sleepers in England before Christmas. The money will pay for emergency accommodation and health support. Burnham said ending rough sleeping was his first priority when he became prime minister in July 2024. The government says the funding fits within the housing ministry's existing budget. Burnham used a similar approach as Mayor of Greater Manchester, where his "A Bed Every Night" scheme cut rough sleeping nearly in half. Homelessness charity Crisis called the announcement a turning point. Opposition politician James Cleverley questioned whether the government had explained clearly how the plan would work. Without action, rough sleeping in England could rise by 25 percent before 2030.