Veterans shouldn’t sleep rough this Christmas, Burnham says

Andy Burnham has emphasized that no individual who has served in the UK armed forces should be forced to sleep on the streets this Christmas. In a move announced by Downing Street, the prime minister intends to write directly to councils across England on Armistice Day, 11 November, urging them to create tailored plans to provide accommodation for homeless veterans as the festive season approaches.

Burnham plans to advocate for a collaborative approach between national and local governments based on the principle that “no one who has served our country should ever be left to sleep rough on our streets.” He has encouraged local authorities to allocate part of the additional £874 million funding already committed to combat homelessness specifically towards housing solutions for veterans. In a statement released on Saturday, Burnham said, “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.”

The prime minister further called on councils to work alongside local organizations and charities in their efforts to reduce veteran homelessness. As part of this commitment, Downing Street announced an additional £8.7 million in funding to be distributed among eight organizations across the UK, including Veteran Housing Scotland, Launchpad, and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. This funding is intended to support housing providers in assisting veterans with complex needs, such as those facing health or addiction challenges.

This pledge, made ahead of Remembrance Sunday, forms part of Burnham’s broader strategy to ensure that everyone sleeping rough has a bed this winter. According to the most recent official government figures from autumn 2025, approximately 4,793 people were found sleeping rough on a single night in England—a record high that reflects an increasing trend since 2021. The government has allocated a total of £4.4 billion towards ending rough sleeping nationwide. While Burnham has faced criticism from Conservative opponents over his previous efforts to address rough sleeping as mayor of Greater Manchester, he has explained that the challenge requires consistent action across all regions. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats defence spokesman James MacCleary MP has acknowledged the funding as an important first step but stressed the need for sustained investment and preventative measures. For veterans currently sleeping rough or those supporting them, the prime minister is urging them to contact a UK-wide helpline at 0800 9520774 for direct access to housing and specialized support services