Unconditional shelter as the starting point for support services
New prime minister Andy Burnham has vowed to end rough sleeping in the UK, backed by 340m in new funding to create 1,200 homes and provide intensive support for at least 3,000 rough sleepers over five years. The programme builds on Covid-era measures and Manchester’s Bed Every Night, as rough sleeping numbers remain at record levels in 2025, with 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single autumn night.
A collection of Scottish housing initiatives faces scrutiny as funding gaps and delays threaten delivery. BBC reports wind-down of Highlands housing trust; Scotsman covers new Orchard Park development and SNIB-backed rental housing. Veterans and housing strategies also come under government review as officials promise action.