In his first speech as prime minister, Andy Burnham vows to end rough sleeping in the UK at the “earliest opportunity.” Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the Labour leader says that ending street sleeping is his first policy priority, describing the homelessness system as having taken “wrong turns” since the 1980s. He also calls for politicians to “be better,” framing the pledge as part of improving how government responds to homelessness.
Multiple outlets report that Burnham announces additional funding of £340 million to tackle rough sleeping, raising total investment in the area to record levels, and characterizing the plan as a “circuit breaker” to reset current approaches. Other reporting notes that Burnham previously made a similar pledge while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester, but that rough sleeping rates in Manchester reportedly increased during his time in the role.
Overall, the coverage agrees that Burnham uses his first address to set out a national drive focused on eliminating rough sleeping, backed by new government spending and an emphasis on changing the direction of policy.
