Rayner confident on Burnham's rough sleeping pledge

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 21:08 · Archive

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said she was confident Andy Burnham's commitment to offer all rough sleepers a bed by Christmas would be delivered.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said she was confident that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's promise to offer all rough sleepers a bed this winter would be delivered. Rayner told The Mirror's YouTube show Sense Check that she had seen a strong response from the public, philanthropists, local government and mayors to the pledge. The government has invested £442 million into the effort.

Rayner stressed the commitment is not merely a Christmas gimmick. 'We continue. We double down,' she said. 'I want people to know that their offer is there. It's not just there for Christmas, it's not a gimmick.' She acknowledged that not everyone offered a bed would accept it.

According to the most recent snapshot data, there were 4,793 rough sleepers in autumn 2025, a 171 per cent increase since 2010. However, the Daily Mail reports that rough sleepers themselves are sceptical of the pledge's success, with those interviewed saying the plan will 'never work' and expressing concerns about the quality of accommodation offered.

How it is being reported

• Andy Burnham has vowed to end rough sleeping...but those on the streets say the Prime Minister is in 'dreamland'The Prime Minister has vowed to end rough sleeping, pledging to get everyone off the streets by Christmas. The trouble is, few of those he is trying to help think he will succeed...Daily Mail · 16 Oct, 20:47
• Angela Rayner: 'Andy Burnham's vow to end rough sleeping is not just a gimmick for Christmas'EXCLUSIVE: Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said she was confident the commitment given by Andy Burnham to offer all rough sleepers an offer of a bed by Christmas would be delivered onThe Mirror · 16 Oct, 18:33

In this story: Angela Rayner · Andy Burnham · Prime Minister's Office · Birmingham · London

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