A boost of £84 million in funding will provide support for thousands of individuals facing the risk of homelessness this winter, announced Housing Secretary Steve Reed. Reed referred to the current situation as a “moral stain on our society,” highlighting the concerning number of people sleeping rough or living in inadequate temporary housing.
Charities have expressed appreciation for the much-needed financial assistance but have emphasized the importance of a comprehensive homelessness strategy beyond temporary solutions. A significant portion of the funds, nearly £70 million, will be allocated to preventing rough sleeping by offering sustainable accommodation and specialized physical and mental health services.
Additionally, £11 million will be directed towards assisting children and families residing in temporary accommodation, covering essential needs such as food, school transportation, and laundry. Another £3 million will target individuals experiencing drug and alcohol abuse while living on the streets.
The funding announcement comes at a time when a record number of families, including approximately 170,000 children, are stuck in temporary housing. Latest government data from July revealed that the number of households in temporary accommodation in England had risen to a new high of 131,140 by the end of March 2025. The number of children in temporary housing reached 169,050 in March, marking an increase from the previous year and the highest figure since records began in 1998.
The Museum of Homelessness documented at least 1,611 deaths of homeless individuals in 2024, including 11 children. Reed reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness, stating, “This Government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue.” St Mungo’s, a homelessness charity, acknowledged the importance of the funding while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to tackle the homelessness crisis.
Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, noted that the funding alone is insufficient to end rough sleeping and emphasized the necessity of comprehensive support services addressing the root causes of homelessness. He called for the homelessness strategy to prioritize sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
