Prime Minister’s Key Insights from the Rough Sleeping Summit on 26 October 2026

Welcome to the inaugural rough sleeping summit here at Downing Street. It is heartening to see so many individuals who have travelled to join us today, and I extend my gratitude to each of you for being here.

As we gather in this significant location, it is vital to reflect on the importance of the moment we find ourselves in. We are convened to discuss the plight of those who often feel overlooked—individuals who are frequently ignored as they navigate life on the streets. My hope is that the discussions we have today resonate beyond these walls, sending a message to those outside that they are not forgotten and that there are people who genuinely care and are willing to take action.

This gathering serves as a powerful starting point for all of us. I believe wholeheartedly that our nation has the capacity to achieve remarkable change when we unite in purpose. Within this room, we are privileged to have representatives from the charitable and community sectors, alongside numerous colleagues from the private sector. I would like to acknowledge and appreciate your support as well.

Creating a Collective Focus

Keely mentioned the importance of communication, and I can attest to her ability to galvanise support when she sets her mind to it. Keely, your contributions, particularly with The Brick, are commendable. What we are doing here today is establishing a focal point for collective action—a rallying cry about who we are as a nation as we move forward.

We are a country that refuses to accept the ongoing existence of rough sleeping. We have the capability to address this issue, as evidenced by past successes. Today is about exploring how we can make this happen.

I assure you that I will support the commitments made by Lorna and the other speakers you have heard from. My intention is to lead with determination. Importantly, I want to emphasise that, as long as I am here and this government remains in place, our commitment to this cause will be enduring.

This is not merely another fleeting initiative. This is a sustained effort akin to the successful approaches we implemented in the 2000s. We will stand firmly behind you throughout this journey, providing the necessary support to enable you to plan effectively for the long term.

A Whole Government Approach

Such progress requires a long-term perspective, and it is essential that we maintain our focus on what lies ahead. This year, we will offer everyone a pathway out of homelessness, thanks to the hard work of Angela, Flo, and their team. However, we must also consider what comes next and ensure that we have the resources in place to support ongoing efforts.

It is crucial to understand that this is a whole government approach. We need the backing of all departments, and I can confirm that we have already secured this commitment at the Cabinet level. It is imperative that we adopt a whole society approach, collaborating with local government and community organisations, as represented here today, to achieve meaningful change.

Unity is essential; we must all pull in the same direction to make a difference. My experiences as Mayor of Greater Manchester have taught me a great deal about this issue. I embarked on a journey alongside others, and we uncovered many realities that we were previously unaware of. It is essential to remember that our focus should be on recovery—supporting individuals who have often endured significant trauma in their lives.

Names, Not Numbers

It is impossible to impose a strict timeline on recovery, as each person’s journey is unique. However, we must recognise that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is capable of recovery, and it is our role to facilitate that process.

In Greater Manchester, we adopted a mantra that I wish to extend to our national efforts: “names, not numbers.” This principle should guide our approach as we strive to end homelessness. We must focus on the individual, on the names and stories behind the statistics, and work from that foundation.

When government and society embrace this principle, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Reverend Ian Rutherford, who chaired the Greater Manchester Homelessness Action Network during my tenure as Mayor. It is vital that representatives from the faith sector are present, as trust is a fundamental element in building relationships with those we aim to support.

Addressing the Financial Implications

As we navigate these challenging times, I want to reiterate that addressing homelessness is the right course of action, regardless of circumstances. However, it is also crucial to communicate to the public, particularly taxpayers, the financial implications of allowing individuals to remain on the streets. The costs associated with emergency healthcare and other services for those without stable housing are unsustainable and detrimental to public finances.

There is a compelling case for investing in solutions to end homelessness. We must convey this message clearly: it is more wasteful to allow rough sleeping to persist than to invest in recovery and support. We must challenge any notion that we cannot afford to take action; in fact, we cannot afford not to. Failing to act squanders not only public resources but the potential of individuals to reintegrate into society.

Working Together for Change

We are capable of achieving this, and I am confident in our collective strength. You are all leaders in your respective communities, and together, we can turn the tide on this issue. Let us make this a pivotal moment for our country.

We exist in a time when many feel that challenges are insurmountable. However, we can demonstrate that solutions are attainable, and that we can address the issue of rough sleeping. By adopting a “names, not numbers” perspective, we can approach this crisis with the care and compassion it deserves.

When I addressed the public three months ago, I pledged to place a focus on care at the heart of government. If we can create a system that supports those facing the most significant challenges, we will ultimately benefit everyone in society. Our approach must be rooted in empathy and care.

Emphasising Collaboration

In Greater Manchester, we implemented a transformative strategy by shifting our focus from restrictive assessments under the Homelessness Act to a more inclusive approach under the Care Act. This shift allowed us to better support those in need, and I encourage all of you to adopt a similar mindset.

Let us place care for individuals at the centre of our efforts as we work collaboratively across all sectors of society. It is crucial to recognise that no single organisation possesses all the answers; it is through collaboration that we will find effective solutions.

As we move forward, I am immensely grateful for your presence and your commitment to this shared journey. We will stand by you every step of the way, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing homelessness. Together, we will show that this nation is capable of remarkable accomplishments when united.

As we approach the end of this year, let us strive to ensure that we have extended a genuine offer of help to every individual in need. Imagine the impact of this initiative in your communities. It is imperative that we translate our discussions into tangible actions that can bring hope and positive change.

Our mission is clear, and I am proud of your willingness to answer this call. Together, we will demonstrate the enduring strength of our nation when we work in unison. Thank you all very much.