On July 20, 2026, Andy Burnham became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, succeeding Keir Starmer after previously serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester. His arrival at 10 Downing Street has brought renewed attention to one of the country’s most persistent social challenges: homelessness, including rough sleeping—the most visible and dangerous situation faced by people who have no safe place in which to live.

Burnham’s commitment to bring a end to rough sleeping is particularly significant because of his previous work in Greater Manchester. As mayor, he established A Bed Every Night, a regional initiative that brings public authorities and charitable organizations together to provide emergency accommodation and personalized support. Depaul UK is among the organizations delivering this program, including in Oldham, where 72 percent of those supported have moved on to permanent accommodations.

Founded in 1989 and inspired by the life and values of Saint Vincent de Paul, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention programs, and support to young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout the country. In the following statement, its CEO, Alexia Murphy, welcomes the new Prime Minister’s ambition while emphasizing that lasting progress will require early intervention, affordable housing, properly funded frontline services, and the active participation of young people who have experienced homelessness themselves.

“I welcome the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and his commitment to making ending rough sleeping a national priority. As one of the UK’s leading youth homelessness charities, I know the importance of partnership in turning this ambition into reality, and Depaul UK stands ready to work with the Government to do so. The Government must now build on recent progress and take the necessary steps to tackle rising youth homelessness across the UK. Preventing homelessness before it starts must be at the heart of ending rough sleeping and homelessness for good.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment to ending rough sleeping is a significant ambition, and one that must be matched with action to address the causes of homelessness. At a time when rising rents, a chronic shortage of affordable housing and increasing pressures on families are leaving more young people at risk of homelessness, there is an urgent need for decisive action.

“Youth homelessness is not inevitable, it is preventable. If we are serious about ending rough sleeping for good, we must intervene early and ensure young people receive the right support before they reach a crisis point. With the right investment, support and political will, we can stop vulnerable young people from reaching a crisis point and ensure they have the stability they need to thrive.

“I urge the Prime Minister to make homelessness prevention a priority from day one by significantly increasing funding for frontline homelessness services, investing in early intervention, increasing the supply of affordable housing, strengthening support for care leavers and other groups at heightened risk of homelessness, and ensuring the voices of young people with lived experience help shape policy decisions. These are the steps needed to turn ambition into lasting change and ensure fewer young people ever reach the point of sleeping rough.

“I know the Prime Minister understands the importance of tackling homelessness. Through his leadership as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham established A Bed Every Night, demonstrating the impact that strong political leadership, partnership working and targeted support can have in protecting people at risk of rough sleeping.

“Depaul UK is proud to be one of the organisations delivering this vital service, supporting people at some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Our experience working alongside partners through A Bed Every Night has shown what can be achieved when local leadership, frontline expertise and targeted support come together. We believe this approach provides valuable learning for the national effort to end rough sleeping, and we stand ready to work with the Government as a trusted partner to help turn ambition into action. At our A Bed Every Night service in Oldham, 72 per cent of people supported have successfully moved on into accommodation. This demonstrates the positive impact that intervention and tailored support can have.

“For almost 40 years, Depaul UK has worked alongside young people facing homelessness and housing insecurity, helping thousands of young people find a safe place to call home. We know that with the right support at the right time, homelessness can be prevented and futures can be changed. We are ready to bring our expertise, our partnerships and the voices of young people with lived experience to support the Government in delivering its ambition. We stand ready to work with the Government as a constructive partner, bringing together evidence, expertise and the insights of those with lived experience to help ensure every young person has a safe place to call home and the opportunity to build a brighter future.”

Alexia Murphy
Source: https://www.depaul.org.uk/