Mayor aims to end rough sleeping in London by 2030

Mayor Sadiq Khan has committed to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030, supported by £17 million in government funding for his initiative. His strategy will prioritize prevention and enhance access to support for those at risk of homelessness. Critics, including Lord Bailey, argue that addressing the housing crisis is essential for effectively tackling homelessness. According to the Trust for London, the number of rough sleepers reached nearly 12,000 in 2023/24, marking a threefold increase since 2008/09. The funding will facilitate the opening of a new Ending Homelessness Hub and the refurbishment of 500 empty homes to provide immediate support.

Khan plans to remove the requirement for individuals to be seen sleeping on the streets before accessing help, focusing on those with specific needs. City Hall's rough sleeping budget will rise to £44. 8 million by 2025/26, a fivefold increase since 2016. Khan's emphasis on prevention aims to address the crisis before it escalates, but critics remain skeptical of his approach.