A boost of £84 million in funding will provide support for thousands of individuals facing the risk of homelessness this winter, according to Housing Secretary Steve Reed. He expressed concern over the prevalence of people sleeping rough or living in inadequate temporary housing, labeling it a “moral stain on our society.”
Charities have welcomed the injection of funds but cautioned that addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive strategy beyond temporary solutions. A significant portion of the funding, nearly £70 million, will be allocated to prevent rough sleeping by offering sustainable housing options and specialized physical and mental health assistance.
Furthermore, a top-up of £11 million will assist children and families residing in temporary accommodations with essential needs such as food, school travel, and laundry. An additional £3 million will be directed towards aiding individuals experiencing drug and alcohol addiction issues while living on the streets.
These efforts come as a record number of families, including close to 170,000 children, find themselves in temporary housing. Recent government statistics revealed a surge in households residing in temporary accommodation in England, reaching a peak of 131,140 by March 2025. Additionally, the number of children in temporary housing rose to 169,050, marking the highest figure since records began in 1998.
The Museum of Homelessness documented 1,611 deaths among homeless individuals in 2024, including 11 children. Reed reiterated the government’s commitment to combatting homelessness, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address this societal issue.
St. Mungo’s, a homelessness charity, acknowledged the necessity of the funding but stressed the importance of a comprehensive plan to tackle the homelessness crisis. Lord John Bird, the founder of Big Issue, emphasized the need for long-term measures and support services that address the root causes of homelessness, urging the government to prioritize sustainable solutions over temporary fixes.