Wiltshire homelessness charity backs Burnham on rough sleeping

Alabare said the instruction made by the new Prime Minister aligns closely with its work to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds.

Mr Burnham used his inaugural speech outside Downing Street to set out plans to “build more council homes” and create a “more preventative state”, tackling underlying issues before they become wider societal problems.

Andrew Lord, chief executive of Alabare, said: "We look forward to the new Prime Minister taking his experience in Greater Manchester, where he prioritised homelessness prevention and access to affordable homes, and now implementing this on a national scale.

"Our services work tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness to find a way to break the cycle and move towards more positive futures.

"We’d like to see the new Government consulting with an expanded network of frontline organisations like ours to make those plans more robust and achievable, and to make a tangible difference to people’s lives."

Mr Burnham’s “Housing First” philosophy has also been welcomed by Alabare, which believes the approach could help clients achieve their goals of independent living faster and prevent ‘bed-blocking’ within supported bedspaces when clients are ready to move on, but there isn’t suitable accommodation available.

The charity joined more than 75 organisations and charities across the country in signing an open letter, coordinated by Homeless Link, calling for Mr Burnham to scale up successful homelessness policies from his time as Greater Manchester mayor and roll them out nationally.

Andy Burnham makes a speech outside 10 Downing Street after meeting King Charles III and accepting his invitation to become Prime Minister and form a new government (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

The letter states Housing First could be "a seminal moment in our nation’s efforts to turn the tide on shamefully high levels of homelessness."

Alabare has also called for progress on plans announced by the previous Government to invest £39bn over 10 years into more social and affordable housing, and to ensure the commitments set out in a National Plan to End Homelessness are taken forward.

The charity provides more than just shelter, giving people the knowledge and tools to improve their wellbeing and confidence, access training and employment, and eventually move on to independent, fulfilling lives with autonomy and dignity.

It believes that policy development should involve a wider range of frontline organisations to ensure plans are both practical and effective for those experiencing homelessness.