Andy Burnham is being urged to establish a specialized homelessness unit within the government to support his commitment to eradicating rough sleeping. The new Prime Minister made a promise to eliminate the issue of rough sleeping nationwide in his inaugural address outside Downing Street. Charities and individuals who have faced rough sleeping have proposed specific actions to finally put an end to this problem.
Recent data revealed a record number of individuals sleeping rough on the streets of England in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of increasing figures. Approximately 4,793 individuals were reported to have spent a night in tents, doorways, and parks during a single autumn night in 2025, representing a 3% rise from the previous year and surpassing the peak observed in 2017.
Crisis has called for the establishment of a new unit that would unite government departments, mayors, local leaders, and delivery partners to work collectively on this critical issue under the direction of Downing Street. They have also recommended leveraging the Housing First program as a model for the national strategy and expediting the deployment of the already allocated £39 billion for social and affordable housing.
Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, commended the Prime Minister’s swift action in prioritizing the eradication of rough sleeping right at the onset of his term. He emphasized the urgency of addressing rough sleeping, highlighting the dangers and visibility of this form of homelessness.
Before making this commitment, Mr. Burnham visited the Passage Homeless Charity in London to contribute and listen to the stories of individuals struggling with homelessness. During his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham aimed to eliminate rough sleeping in the region by 2020. While initial progress was evident, there was a subsequent increase in the numbers.
St Mungo’s, a homeless charity, emphasized the significance of housing in combating rough sleeping and the essential support services that accompany it. Emma Haddad, Chief Executive at St Mungo’s, stressed the need for comprehensive structures to prevent individuals from returning to the streets after being discharged from hospitals, prisons, or asylum centers.
Former rough sleeper Lee, now a volunteer assisting others, emphasized the necessity for enhanced outreach teams to provide information on available support services and activities for individuals in need. Another former rough sleeper, Kerri Douglas, praised the compassionate approach being taken to address homelessness and expressed optimism for the future.
The call for action to address rough sleeping has received widespread support from various stakeholders and individuals affected by homelessness. The focus remains on implementing effective strategies and support systems to ensure lasting solutions for those experiencing rough sleeping.
