Will Andy Burnham get rough sleepers off streets by Christmas? – The Latest

In this episode of the podcast, host Nosheen Iqbal speaks with Patrick Butler, The Guardian's social policy editor, about Prime Minister Andy Burnham's newly unveiled plan to combat rough sleeping in England. The plan encourages local councils to provide a route off the streets for rough sleepers by Christmas. This initiative is seen as part of Burnham's commitment to eradicating rough sleeping, a promise he made when he became Prime Minister.

Butler points out that while the government has the political will to address homelessness, there are significant structural challenges, including a shortage of affordable housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. He recalls the success of the 'Everyone In' program during the pandemic, which temporarily housed thousands of rough sleepers in hotels, but emphasizes that the current housing landscape does not offer the same resources.

The conversation touches on the rise in rough sleeping in Britain over the last three decades, relating it to socio-economic factors such as austerity, lack of housing support, and mental health challenges. Despite the difficulties, Butler remains cautiously optimistic about Burnham's initiative, acknowledging the visibility of homelessness as a key issue that politicians must address. While specific targets have not been set for local councils, the hope is that the ongoing focus on rough sleeping will lead to significant progress.