// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Funding set to double for plan to get rough sleepers off streets by Christmas
The pledge was one of Burnham's key early announcements after becoming prime minister in July
Funding is set to double to support a pledge by the prime minister to give every rough sleeper in England a route off the streets by Christmas.
Ending rough sleeping was one of Andy Burnham's first promises when he entered Downing Street, announcing a £442m package to provide emergency accommodation and practical support.
On the eve of the first Rough Sleeping Summit at Downing Street on Monday, No 10 has indicated a further £432m will be added to the initiative in Wednesday's Budget.
Shadow housing secretary Katie Lam said rough sleeping had hit "record highs under Labour" and criticised Burnham for failing to end rough sleeping when he was the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
The BBC understands the government's commitment is that every rough sleeper will be able to physically move into accommodation by Christmas and/or they will be offered support as a way to prevent them sleeping rough.
Some people may choose not to accept accommodation, but ministers say support will still be offered to them.
The government said initial funding had seen specialist outreach teams and new bed spaces operating in Coventry, with further provision being rolled out in places including Plymouth and Camden in north London over the coming weeks.
Money being added to the pot this week will extend support beyond March 2027 to the end of this Parliament, taking total investment to £874m.
Ahead of hosting the summit, Burnham said: "Rough sleeping isn't a fact of life. It's a thing governments either choose to accept or don't.