UK announces £432 million more for rough sleeping support ahead of Christmas pledge

The UK government has announced a further £432 million for support for people sleeping rough, saying it aims to offer everyone a route off the street or wider help before Christmas. Downing Street said the additional funding would be set out in the Budget on Wednesday, taking investment behind the commitment to £874 million.

Support intended to continue beyond winter

The announcement, published by the Prime Minister’s Office on 25 October 2026, builds on an initial £442 million programme. Downing Street said specialist outreach teams and additional bedspaces were already operating in Coventry, with provision being rolled out in Plymouth and Camden over the following weeks.

The proposed additional investment is intended to maintain frontline services beyond the winter and help people move into settled accommodation. The announcement sets out government intentions and partner commitments, rather than a verified count of people who have left the streets.

Housing, employment and practical help

Downing Street said a Rough Sleeping Summit would bring together businesses, charities, housing providers and local leaders. The National Housing Federation would work with housing associations and local authorities to identify at least 2,000 potential homes and bedspaces, including empty properties that could be returned to use. These are potential places to be identified, not a claim that 2,000 homes are already available.

Other announced commitments include Social Bite’s supported modular accommodation model and work by the Salvation Army and its housing association on social housing and move-on accommodation. UnLtd and Key Fund are to help social ventures create jobs for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

The statement also describes digital connectivity support from Virgin Media O2, a social salon partnership involving L’Oréal, St Mungo’s and Haircuts4Homeless, and a proposed £500,000 Morrisons Foundation food fund. Delivery, eligibility and access arrangements will depend on the relevant programmes; the statement does not provide a single public application portal.