Prime Minister announces next steps to end rough sleeping
19 August 2026
We welcome the Government’s commitment to offer everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets this winter
Thames Reach welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement yesterday outlining the next steps in the Government’s national drive to end rough sleeping. These include immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by increased funding of £442 million.
Ensuring that people can access safe emergency accommodation is vital, particularly during the coldest months of the year. However, a bed for the night is only the first step away from the street.
If we are to end rough sleeping for good, people must also have access to suitable, long-term accommodation and the tailored support they need. This includes support to address the issues associated with their homelessness, such as physical and mental ill health, substance use and trauma, and to build safe and fulfilling lives away from the streets.
At Thames Reach, ending rough sleeping is our mission. We will continue working with national and local government, our partners and communities to turn this commitment into lasting change and make the vision of ending rough sleeping a reality.
Read the Government’s press release for more details about the announcement.
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