A generous £84 million funding boost will provide support to thousands of individuals facing the risk of homelessness this winter, announced Housing Secretary Steve Reed. Reed emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, labeling it a “moral stain on our society” as many people are either sleeping rough or living in inadequate temporary accommodations.
Charities have expressed gratitude for the much-needed financial injection but have stressed the importance of a comprehensive homelessness strategy that goes beyond temporary solutions. The allocation includes nearly £70 million aimed at preventing rough sleeping through sustainable housing options and specialized physical and mental health services.
Furthermore, an additional £11 million will assist children and families residing in temporary accommodation by covering essential needs such as food, school transportation, and laundry. An earmarked £3 million will specifically target individuals experiencing drug and alcohol abuse issues while living on the streets.
These initiatives come at a critical time as there is a rise in the number of families stuck in temporary housing, with approximately 170,000 children affected. Recent government data revealed a record high of 131,140 households in temporary accommodation in England by the end of March 2025. The number of children in temporary housing also reached a peak at 169,050, surpassing previous records dating back to 1998.
The Museum of Homelessness reported 1,611 deaths of homeless individuals in 2024, including 11 children. Reed reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling homelessness, stating that they will not tolerate the growing numbers of people forced to endure rough sleeping and unsuitable living conditions.
St. Mungo’s, a homelessness charity, welcomed the funding but emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive plan to combat the homelessness crisis. Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, stressed the importance of investing in long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.
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