Housing associations are key partners in plans to end rough sleeping

On 26 October 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted the first ever Rough Sleeping Summit at 10 Downing Street.

NHF Chief Executive Kate Henderson attended the summit, which brought together businesses, charities, the government and partners around a shared determination to end rough sleeping and ensure more people have the safety and stability of a home.

What was announced?

The Prime Minister expanded on his ambition for everyone sleeping rough to be offered a route off the street, or wider support, before Christmas 2026. He also announced a further £432m to help deliver that ambition and sustain support in the years ahead.

This new funding is set to be confirmed at the Autumn Budget and will make the total investment to end rough sleeping £874m. The additional funding will extend support for the programme beyond March 2027 and through to the end of this Parliament. It will ensure support is extended past the winter months and aims to provide continuity for frontline services, helping people move into settled accommodation and rebuild their lives. This long-term funding for support is crucial to successful delivery.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:

“Rough sleeping isn’t a fact of life. It’s a thing governments either choose to accept or don’t. Well, I don’t accept it. That’s why we’re doubling funding so that people aren’t just offered a safe route off the streets this winter but have that same support right through the rest of this Parliament too. But we can’t do it alone. If we’re going to end rough sleeping, we need every part of society behind us on this. So today we’re bringing together businesses, charities and local leaders in Downing Street to make sure this is a solution that lasts.”

Image: Flickr

What are housing associations doing to help?

Housing associations have a longstanding role in preventing and reducing homelessness by providing safe, secure homes and support. This work reflects our sector’s core purpose, making sure that everyone has a safe place to call home.

The NHF has been working with housing association members to identify potential homes that could support the Prime Minister’s ambition.

We were pleased to be able to identify over 2,000 potential homes to support the rough sleeping programme. These are homes and bedspaces that our members could bring forward given the right funding, support and collaboration from local and strategic authorities. The figure includes empty or void properties, decommissioned supported housing schemes and vacant spaces within supported accommodation. Some homes require refurbishment, while others will need further funding or support arrangements before they can be brought into use.

These potential homes are in addition to many thousands of homes housing associations already provide to people experiencing homelessness. Housing associations are ready to work together with local authorities and mayoral strategic authorities to match the homes identified with local needs.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said:

"No one should have to sleep rough on our streets. We share the Prime Minister’s determination to end rough sleeping and housing associations across the country will play their part in making that ambition a reality.

"Our sector has rallied behind this pledge, and our housing association members have already identified over 2,000 additional homes that could potentially be brought forward to support the government’s efforts to end rough sleeping. This is alongside the longstanding and vital work they carry out every day to provide homes and support for people experiencing homelessness.

"This phenomenal response speaks to the heart of what housing associations exist to do. These homes will make a huge difference, giving people the safety and stability they deserve. Alongside this vital intervention, a lasting route away from rough sleeping requires sustainable, long-term funding for support to help people rebuild their lives. We will continue working closely with the government and our partners to develop the long-term approach needed to deliver the right outcomes for people and ensure lasting change."

Housing associations are key partners in plans to end rough sleeping

What was announced?

What are housing associations doing to help?

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