British Prime Minister Announces Plan to Help the Homeless

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to provide a way for those sleeping rough to get off the streets by Christmas, as part of his efforts to tackle homelessness nationwide.

Starmer said in a statement: “No one should have to sleep in a doorway or outside a station. But we have seen it for so long that it feels as though Westminster has begun to accept it.”

The announcement comes a month after Starmer took office as prime minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak. On his first day in the role, he pledged to end the scourge of homelessness.

His government is now determining the next steps on how to achieve this, with emergency accommodation and long-term housing support to be provided across England this winter.

Under the scheme, areas with the highest levels of homelessness and housing-related pressures will receive the largest share of the £442 million ($666 million) funding.

The number of homeless people in England reached a record high of 4,793 in 2025, according to government figures.

The government’s initiative aims to build on efforts developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when large numbers of homeless individuals were moved into temporary accommodation.

It also unveiled plans for what the government described as the first national summit dedicated to addressing homelessness, to be held later this year.

The event will bring together representatives from business, finance, charities, health organizations, and religious groups to discuss how different sectors can contribute to reducing homelessness.

Housing Minister Angela Rayner said the government is moving “urgently from talk to action” following Starmer’s pledges.

She added: “This funding will help thousands of people leave the streets, move into safe homes, and receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.”