UK PM Burnham launches bid to help homeless, donating 15% of his wages
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled plans on Wednesday to offer those sleeping rough a way off the streets by Christmas and vowed to donate part of his wages to help curb homelessness. “No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station,” Burnham said in a statement announcing the new plans. It comes a month after Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as prime minister, and builds…
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans on Wednesday to tackle homelessness in the UK, pledging to donate 15% of his annual salary to the cause. Burnham, who recently succeeded Keir Starmer as prime minister, stated that no one should have to sleep on doorsteps or outside train stations. The initiative includes providing emergency accommodation and long-term housing support across England during the winter months.
Areas with the highest homelessness rates will receive the most funding, part of a £442 million boost. Burnham personally would contribute 15% of his £180,000 salary to homelessness efforts. Currently, there are 4,793 rough sleepers in England, a figure that has remained stagnant despite efforts to move people into temporary housing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Burnham plans to convene a national summit to address the issue and called for collaboration from local leaders and faith organizations. The government will fund the programme using existing housing ministry budgets, but acknowledges it may not be sufficient. Charities welcomed the announcement, though the opposition Conservatives expressed concerns about the lack of delivery plans and financial details.
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