Housing shortage puts Burnham’s homelessness pledge in jeopardy

Minister says Labour hopes to offer bed to every rough sleeper in England by Christmas but suitable housing in short supply

Andy Burnham’s pledge to tackle rough sleeping by getting “everyone in for Christmas” is in jeopardy amid rising numbers of people on the streets and a severe housing shortage.

Official figures show an increase of nearly 1,000 people sleeping rough in England between January and June, the latest month for which figures are available.

There were 8,748 rough sleepers in England in June, the highest number since November 2025, according to government statistics.

Only 15% of those were found accommodation by the end of June, the lowest level since August 2025 as councils struggle with the growing demand for temporary and affordable housing.