Burnham Vows to Move Thousands of Rough Sleepers Indoors Before Christmas
Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, has promised a 'Covid-style campaign' to ensure that thousands of homeless individuals are not left on the streets this winter. Speaking a…
Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, has promised a
Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, has promised a 'Covid-style campaign' to ensure that thousands of homeless individuals are not left on the streets this winter. Speaking at a press conference, Burnham emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the region would adopt a coordinated approach similar to the one used during the pandemic to bring people indoors.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also addressed concerns about the role of the chancellor in the new 'No 10 North' initiative, which aims to drive economic growth from outside London. Rayner dismissed suggestions that this represented a demotion for the chancellor, insisting that the government's focus on devolution and community empowerment was a collective effort involving all cabinet members.
Rayner explained that the government intends to work closely with local leaders and businesses to unlock economic potential across the UK. She noted that while local authorities understand their own challenges, they often feel powerless due to the centralization of power in Whitehall. The new approach, she said, would empower regions to take control of their economic destinies.
Drawing lessons from the pandemic and the Greater
Drawing lessons from the pandemic and the Greater Manchester experience, Burnham acknowledged that tackling rough sleeping requires sustained effort and collaboration. He highlighted that while some progress had been made, the issue is complex and cannot be solved in isolation. He stressed the need for medium and long-term support, including mental health services, addiction treatment, and employment assistance, to ensure lasting solutions.
Burnham's plan aims not only to get people off the streets this winter but also to prevent the problem from recurring next year. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, the region hopes to break the cycle and provide stable housing for vulnerable individuals.