Prime Minister Burnham Pledges to End Rough Sleeping by Christmas

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled plans on August 19 to offer those sleeping rough a way off the streets by Christmas.

Burnham pledged to donate 15 percent of his £180,000 annual salary to homelessness causes. His government will provide emergency accommodation and long-term housing support across England this winter. A boosted £442 million in funding will be allocated, with areas facing the highest levels of homelessness and housing pressure receiving the largest share. This initiative builds on his promise on his first day in office to end rough sleeping.

Speaking outside Number 10 on the day he became Prime Minister, Burnham said his first instruction would be to end rough sleeping in our country. In a press release issued the same day, he announced the government's commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government later clarified the pledge refers to both short and long-term rough sleeping.

The MHCLG also stated it will only be measuring rough sleeping in England, acknowledging devolved nations are responsible for their own policies. Homelessness expert Richard Lowrie from the University of Edinburgh urged the Scottish Government to follow Burnham's lead, noting rough sleeping prevalence is three-fold higher in Scotland than in England. The Scottish Greens also urged action but added Labour's announcement should not be mistaken for a record of success, as rough sleeping in England has risen to a record high. Opposition parties criticize the lack of detailed delivery and funding plans for the program.