Andy Burnham used his first speech as prime minister to promise an end to long-term rough sleeping across the UK, backed by an additional £340m in government funding.
“On my first day as prime minister, I'm announcing this government's commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” Burnham said outside Downing Street. “We'll get to work immediately, bringing together national and local government with the investment needed to get it done.”
“Andy Burnham pledges to end rough sleeping with £340m funding, but record homelessness and past failures loom.”
The five-year plan is expected to provide 1,200 homes and “intensive support” for at least 3,000 people in England. But the pledge comes as the latest official figures show rough sleeping in England hit a record high of 4,793 on a single night in autumn 2025 – the fourth annual increase in a row.
Burnham made a similar commitment when he became Greater Manchester mayor in 2017, vowing to end rough sleeping in the area by 2020. Figures from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority show the number rose to 197 in 2025, from 149 in 2023. The Guardian described the pledge as “something of a hostage to fortune”, noting he could only partially deliver on the same goal as mayor.
Conservative shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly said there was “precious little detail” on how the policy would be paid for, adding: “In Manchester, Burnham promised to end rough sleeping, but failed because he didn't do the hard work necessary. Now, again, he is making pledges without any plan for delivery.”
Housing and homelessness are devolved matters, meaning the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own strategies. Burnham has promised greater devolution of power away from Westminster.
In another key early move, Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor – a decision that blindsided Labour insiders. Healey resigned as defence secretary last month in protest at the proposed defence investment plan, a critical moment in the downfall of Burnham's predecessor, Keir Starmer. Some Starmer allies believe Healey may have done a deal to become chancellor before announcing his resignation. Healey has Treasury credentials as a former junior minister under Gordon Brown, and is expected to use his position to increase defence spending, possibly through “defence bonds”.
Meanwhile, immigration reforms drawn up by Shabana Mahmood face being watered down by No10, according to Labour sources who said the new prime minister was poised to “tinker” with them to avoid his first backbench rebellion.
Burnham has described his election as Labour leader as “the most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years”. Yet obstacles remain: the i newspaper noted that immigration, benefits and council homes could see Burnham join a line of former prime ministers who failed to tackle homelessness.