Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges action to end rough sleeping

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said his first instruction after taking office will be to begin action aimed at ending rough sleeping across the UK.

In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham said: “I will issue my first instruction to end rough sleeping in our country.”

The Prime Minister did not provide detailed policy proposals during the speech but said tackling homelessness would be an immediate priority for his new government.

Rough sleeping is measured annually in England through a snapshot count and wider estimates coordinated by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The issue is closely linked to health inequalities, with people experiencing homelessness more likely to have complex physical and mental health needs, substance misuse issues and difficulty accessing healthcare services.

Healthcare organisations, local authorities and homelessness charities have long highlighted the importance of coordinated housing, health and social care services in supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The government is expected to publish further details of its plans in the coming days.

The Daily Round will continue to follow this announcement closely and will provide readers with further updates as the government publishes additional details about its plans and implementation.

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