- Andy Burnham , in his first speech as Prime Minister, pledged to end rough sleeping across the country, making it his government's "first instruction".
- His government announced £340 million in funding to acquire 1,200 homes and provide intensive support for at least 3,000 long-term rough sleepers over five years.
- This new funding is in addition to the previously announced £3.6 billion under the National Plan to End Homelessness, bringing the total to over £3.9 billion.
- As Greater Manchester Mayor, Burnham also vowed to tackle rough sleeping, with data showing a 26% reduction since 2017, though numbers have risen sharply since 2021.
- Critics, including the Conservatives, questioned the funding's source and delivery plan.
IN FULL
