The Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment to ensuring everyone sleeping rough is offered a route off the streets or other support before Christmas, backed by a further £432 million to help deliver this ambition and sustain support for years to come.

Responding to the announcement, Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

“It’s great to see additional funding to ensure that everyone sleeping rough is offered the right accommodation and support. This is essential to making lasting progress in tackling rough sleeping and ensuring that support goes beyond Christmas.

“Rough sleeping is a moral stain on our society. The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is just 43 for women and 47 for men. Ensuring that everyone has a route off the streets, with the support they need to rebuild their lives in the years to come, will therefore save lives.

“It’s also very encouraging to see such a diverse range of organisations from across the economy and society coming together to support this mission. It sends a clear message that we shouldn’t tolerate a situation where people are forced to sleep on our streets in the 21st century.

“At Crisis, we’ve seen the amazing work that can be achieved through cross-sector collaboration. Our Homelessness Alliance has nearly 100 members, including Lloyds Banking Group and Specsavers, working together to prevent and end homelessness through positive employment practices.

“By working together, we can ensure that no one has to face the trauma and indignity of life on the streets, and end homelessness for good.”