Support for thousands of individuals facing homelessness will receive an £84 million boost this winter, according to Housing Secretary Steve Reed. Reed highlighted the concerning number of people left to sleep rough or endure inadequate temporary housing as a moral issue in society.
The funding, welcomed by charities as much-needed, will focus on preventing rough sleeping with an allocation of nearly £70 million. This includes provisions for sustainable housing and specialized physical and mental health services. Additionally, £11 million will assist children and families in temporary accommodation by covering essential needs such as food, school transportation, and laundry.
Furthermore, £3 million will target individuals dealing with substance abuse issues while living on the streets. The initiative comes as a response to the escalating number of families residing in temporary housing, with a record high of nearly 170,000 children affected.
Recent government data from July revealed a record total of 131,140 households in temporary housing in England by the end of March 2025. Among them, the number of children in temporary accommodation reached 169,050, marking a year-on-year increase and the highest figure since records began in 1998.
In 2024, the Museum of Homelessness documented at least 1,611 deaths of homeless individuals, including 11 children. Reed emphasized the government’s commitment to combat homelessness, stating that the current situation is unacceptable and requires decisive action.
St Mungo’s, a homelessness charity, acknowledged the importance of the funding but stressed the necessity of a comprehensive plan to effectively address the homelessness crisis. Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, emphasized the need for substantial support services to tackle the root causes of homelessness, advocating for a strategy that goes beyond temporary solutions.