Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made a heartfelt pledge: no one who has served in the UK armed forces should have to sleep on the streets this Christmas. In a statement issued on Saturday, Burnham emphasized the nation's duty to those who have served, saying: "People who stepped forward prepared to put their lives on the line for the rest of us should never lack a roof over their head. When they need help, the country owes them more than warm words. It owes them a bed every night, a proper plan and someone in their corner from day one."
Government Action on Armistice Day
Downing Street announced that the prime minister will personally write to councils across England on Armistice Day (11 November), urging them to draw up specific plans to offer accommodation for veterans sleeping rough ahead of the festive period. The prime minister will stress that national and local government should work under the "simple principle" that "no one who has served our country should ever be left to sleep rough on our streets."
Additionally, local authorities are being asked to use part of the additional £874 million already announced to tackle homelessness specifically for housing veterans. This targeted approach aims to ensure that those who have served are prioritized in housing efforts.
Funding for Complex Needs
An extra £8.7 million in funding will be allocated to eight organizations across the UK to help housing providers offer assistance to veterans with complex needs, including those with health or addiction problems. Among the organizations set to benefit are Veteran Housing Scotland, Launchpad, and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. This funding is part of Burnham's wider plan to offer everyone currently sleeping rough a bed this winter.
Record High Rough Sleeping Figures
The most recent official figures estimated that there were 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025 in England, a record high. The number of people recorded as sleeping rough has been on the rise since 2021. The government has committed £4.4 billion in total to end rough sleeping.
Burnham has previously faced criticism from the Conservatives for failing to end rough sleeping while he was the mayor of Greater Manchester. He argued that Manchester's scheme attracted rough sleepers from the surrounding regions, adding that "it's only if everywhere does it at the same level that you can actually end rough sleeping."
Helpline for Veterans
The prime minister is urging any veterans who are sleeping rough, or those supporting them, to call a UK-wide helpline on 0800 9520774 to be connected directly to housing and other specialist support. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that veterans receive the help they need promptly.
As the festive season approaches, the government's commitment to ending rough sleeping among veterans sends a powerful message: those who have served their country will not be forgotten.
