No one who has served in the UK armed forces should be forced to sleep on the streets this Christmas, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has declared. In a statement released on Saturday, Burnham emphasized the nation's obligation to those who have put their lives on the line.

The Prime Minister's office announced that the Prime Minister will personally write to all English councils on Armistice Day, November 11th, to request they develop immediate plans for providing accommodation to veterans experiencing homelessness before the festive season. The government's directive will stress a commitment to the principle that "no one who has served our country should ever be left to sleep rough on our streets."

Burnham is calling on local authorities to allocate a portion of the recently announced £874 million fund, designated for tackling homelessness, specifically towards housing veterans. "People who stepped forward prepared to put their lives on the line for the rest of us should never lack a roof over their head," Burnham stated. "When they need help, the country owes them more than warm words. It owes them a bed every night, a proper plan and someone in their corner from day one."

This initiative is part of Burnham's broader strategy to ensure that everyone currently sleeping rough is offered a bed during the winter months. The government has confirmed an additional £8.7 million in funding for eight organizations across the UK. This funding aims to support housing providers in assisting veterans with complex needs, including those facing health issues or addiction problems. Among the recipient organizations are Veteran Housing Scotland, Launchpad, and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

The announcement comes ahead of Remembrance Sunday and highlights a growing concern over veteran homelessness. Recent official figures from the autumn of 2025 indicated that 4,793 people were sleeping rough on a single night in England, marking a record high. The number of individuals recorded as sleeping rough has been on an upward trend since 2021. The government has committed a total of £4.4 billion towards its goal of ending rough sleeping.

Burnham has faced past criticism from the Conservatives regarding his efforts to end rough sleeping during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He previously argued that his city's scheme attracted individuals from surrounding areas, suggesting that a nationwide, synchronized effort at a consistent level is necessary to truly end rough sleeping.

Liberal Democrats defence spokesman James MacCleary MP acknowledged the funding as a positive initial step but cautioned that a single cash injection would not resolve a crisis of this magnitude. He urged for guaranteed long-term funding for councils to address homelessness comprehensively and for measures to prevent veterans from falling through the cracks.

For veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and for those supporting them, a UK-wide helpline has been established. The number, 0800 9520774, connects individuals directly to housing and specialized support services.