Luton’s two Labour MPs have welcomed Andy Burnham’s first day as Prime Minister after he announced a major drive to end rough sleeping and tackle the cost of living.
In his first speech outside Downing Street, Burnham pledged to make ending long-term rough sleeping a national priority, backed by an additional £340 million in funding. The money will form the first phase of a five-year programme to provide 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 people experiencing long-term homelessness.
The Prime Minister said he wanted to end the idea that rough sleeping was an unavoidable part of modern Britain.
He said: “For too long, we’ve been told that ending rough sleeping will take decades or even that it’s impossible. I’m not having that.
“This is something a government can fix if it chooses to. Today, I’m choosing to.
“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity.
“We’ll get to work immediately, bringing together national and local government with the investment needed to get it done.
“This is the kind of Britain I want us to be – a country where everyone has the security of a roof over their head, and where no one is left behind or written off. Let’s bring back hope.”
The announcement includes immediate work to acquire homes for people sleeping rough, identify those in greatest need and provide housing alongside specialist support. Ministers say local authorities will lead delivery of the programme, backed by central government.
Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins said she was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister and welcomed his priorities.
She wrote: “Proud to welcome our new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his first speech outside Downing Street today, which boldly pledged to tackle the issues working people in our country face head on.
“Building a record number of council homes, ending rough sleeping, and bringing economic and political power to communities in every corner of our country. That is the work of a strong Labour Government, putting our values at its core.
“I look forward to working with Andy to deliver for people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.”
Luton North MP Sarah Owen also welcomed Burnham’s appointment, saying his first announcements would be welcomed by many people in the town.
She wrote: “Today is a new start for our party and our country. I’m delighted to see Andy enter Downing Street – he’s someone who will stand with ordinary people and make Westminster work for everyone. He brings with him some much needed hope for Luton North and our country.
“It’s only Day 1 and Andy has announced we will bring an end to rough sleeping, and promised swift action on the cost of living. For people in Luton North, that can’t come soon enough.
“I’m excited to see what he achieves as our leader and Prime Minister and we will continue working hard so that our town can feel the benefit.”
The Prime Minister’s announcement marks the first major policy of the new government following Burnham’s election as Labour leader and appointment as Prime Minister. Alongside his pledge to tackle rough sleeping, he used his first address outside Number 10 to promise action on housing, the cost of living and devolving more economic and political power to communities across the country.
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