Government doubles funding to help people sleeping rough off the streets

The government has promised that everyone sleeping rough will be offered a way off the streets before Christmas. And it’s putting in another £432 million so that help can carry on until the end of this Parliament.

That brings total funding to £874 million, and the extra money is due to be confirmed in the Budget on October 28.

Outreach teams and new beds are already in place in Coventry, and more are coming to places like Plymouth and Camden over the next few weeks. Businesses and charities have made pledges too, with housing associations working to find at least 2,000 homes and beds for people moving off the streets, including empty properties.

How can money problems lead to homelessness?

Most people don’t lose their home overnight. It usually starts with a drop in income, such as losing a job, having hours cut, a relationship ending or falling ill, and then rent or mortgage payments start to slip.

Once you fall behind it can be hard to catch up, especially when other bills and debts are building up at the same time. And that’s often when people end up facing eviction or repossession.

We see this with our customers all the time. The earlier you get help, the more options there usually are to keep you in your home.

Which bills should I pay first?

Some bills matter more than others because of what happens if you don’t pay them. Rent, mortgage and council tax are priority bills because falling behind on them can mean losing your home or being taken to court.

Credit cards, loans and catalogue debts still need dealing with, but the consequences of falling behind aren’t as serious. So if money is tight, it’s important to keep your home safe first.

Our budget planner can help you see where your money is going and what you can afford to pay.

What should I do if I’m behind on my rent?

Talk to your landlord as early as you can, because many will agree to a plan to clear what you owe bit by bit.

Your landlord can’t make you leave without a court order. It’s illegal for them to change the locks or remove your things to force you out.

In England, landlords can no longer evict tenants without giving a reason, after “no fault” evictions ended on May 1 2026.

It’s also important to check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, including help with housing costs through universal credit or housing benefit. If that still doesn’t cover your rent, you can ask your council for a housing payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is extra money to help with housing costs. Our benefits calculator can show you what you could get.

What if I’m behind on my mortgage?

Contact your lender straight away. Lenders have to treat you fairly and look at ways to help, such as lowering your payments for a while or making your mortgage last longer so each payment is smaller.

Repossession should only ever be a last resort, and your lender has to go to court before they can take your home. Find out more about mortgage arrears here: Mortgage arrears

What should I do if I’m about to lose my home?

Contact your local council’s housing team as soon as you know you could lose your home. In England, the council has to help you if you’re homeless or could become homeless in the next 56 days, and it will work with you on a plan to stay in your home or find somewhere new.

It helps to take any letters or notices you’ve had from your landlord or lender, along with ID and proof of your income.

If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call your council’s emergency out of hours number. You can also call Shelter’s free emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444.

If you’re leaving home because of domestic abuse, you can call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

What if I see someone sleeping rough?

You can tell StreetLink. It passes your details to local outreach teams in England and Wales so they can find the person and offer help.

If you think the person is in danger or needs medical help, call 999.

Where can I get help with my money?

If you’re struggling with rent, mortgage payments or debts, speak to us. Our advice is free, and we can help you work out a plan to deal with what you owe and check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.