The UK Government has announced a £50 million investment to support councils and organisations tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, with a focus on the areas and people under the greatest pressure. The funding is divided across two major programmes to help achieve the national goal of halving long-term rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament.
The £37 million Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund will support voluntary, community, and faith-based organisations, often the first point of contact for people in crisis. This competitive fund will help small and medium-sized organisations expand services, improve staffing and facilities, strengthen community networks, and develop long-term, trauma-informed approaches to preventing and ending rough sleeping.
An additional £15 million Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme will target 28 areas with the highest pressures, including London. The programme will enable local authorities and partners to implement coordinated, personalised support for people with complex needs, including peer mentoring and integrated services, to help individuals leave the streets permanently.
The funding builds on the government’s £3.6 billion National Plan to End Homelessness, which sets three key pledges: halving long-term rough sleeping, ending unlawful use of B&Bs for families, and preventing more households from becoming homeless. The strategy also aligns with broader housing reforms, including strengthening the private rented sector and increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
Government officials emphasised the importance of supporting frontline workers and organisations providing vital services. Housing Secretary Steve Reed highlighted that the funding will help those supporting people without homes, while Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern stressed the need to address domestic abuse as a driver of homelessness, ensuring women and children are protected and supported.
Local leaders and sector representatives welcomed the announcement, noting that the funding will enable organisations to provide early intervention, crisis support, and long-term solutions tailored to community needs. The investment also reinforces initiatives to prevent homelessness, improve pathways out of temporary accommodation, and promote collaboration across housing, health, and local government.
The funding follows previous government measures to address homelessness, including the Renters’ Rights Act to end no-fault evictions, a £950 million boost to temporary accommodation, and a £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing. Together, these efforts aim to provide sustainable support for individuals and families, reduce rough sleeping, and prevent homelessness across the country.
The Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund will run from 2026 to 2029 and is open to organisations in England with an annual income under £5 million. The Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme will operate over the same period across London and 27 other high-pressure areas, creating partnership plans to coordinate support and spread best practices. These initiatives form the next step in delivering the National Plan to End Homelessness, focusing on prevention, reducing rough sleeping, and ending inappropriate family accommodation.
