Here's what Andy Burnham can do right away to address homelessness and NEETs crisis

Andy Burnham will have the now-customary ‘bulging in-tray’ waiting for him, just like any other prime minister.

The global challenges of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and managing the ‘special relationship’ with the US and Donald Trump; addressing the cost of living, as well as political disillusionment and division on the home front.

There’s no shortage of challenges – not least in convincing all Labour MPs that he can succeed where Keir Starmer failed, batting off calls for a general election and persuading weary voters he has a hopeful, workable vision for Britain.

But, in his first 100 days, Big Issue would like to see action on two crises that threaten to drive poverty in the present and the future: homelessness and youth unemployment. Here’s what Burnham can do immediately to make a difference.

Homelessness

Matt Downie, chief executive at Crisis, says that he’d like to see Burnham announce a New Labour-style homelessness and rough sleepers taskforce.

Labour all-but ended rough sleeping in the 2000s under Tony Blair through the Rough Sleepers Unit. Downie would like to see a revival set up at the heart of government to directly work with mayors and local leaders. “The first 100 days provide a vital opportunity to reset the agenda on how we tackle homelessness,” said Downie. “With record numbers of families trapped in temporary accommodation and rising homelessness across the country, we need a bold new direction on housing to ensure everyone has a safe, secure home.

“Andy Burnham has already spoken about implementing a Housing First philosophy as a priority – a radical but simple idea that would have a transformative impact on homelessness. It would mean we can stop relying on temporary accommodation and start ending homelessness rather than simply managing it.”

Also on the Crisis chief executive’s wishlist is for Burnham to unfreeze housing benefit which Starmer maintained during his tenure. And bring forward the £39 billion affordable homes programme funding to boost the number of homes for social rent.

“We cannot leave families in temporary accommodation, missing out on the simple joys of childhood, any longer,” added Downie. “Everything starts with a safe, secure home. With the right political will and policies, we can make that a reality for everyone.”

Read more:

• Keir Starmer has resigned. What is his legacy on the biggest issues in Britain?
• What are the causes of homelessness?
• Number of young people not in work or education highest for a decade – but it’s not their fault

NEETs crisis

More than one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training as Burnham enters No 10. That’s more than one out of every 10 young people.

The so-called NEETs crisis is not only a challenge for leaders chasing ever-elusive growth, it risks condemning young people into poverty in the future.

Burnham launched the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) while mayor in the region, aiming to guarantee every young person had a clear path into jobs and training opportunities.

Catherine Parsons, Big Issue managing director, wants Burnham to give employers more confidence to take on young people. She said: “I’d like the government to think about how to reward and incentivise employers to invest in training.”

Asli Atay, senior policy adviser at the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, said devolution and affordable transport – two Burnham favourites – could make a big difference in the short term. 

“Where you live matters,” Atlay told Big Issue. “Young people tell us it’s not just a lack of jobs but buses and trains are expensive and not always frequent enough to get to the jobs that do exist.
In the first 100 days, the government could provide funding for subsidised or free youth travel to remove a big barrier to accessing a job.

“The Burnham government must also build on the Jobs Guarantee, but make it bolder to fit local realities,” she added. “To deliver opportunities in every postcode, young people need real jobs with flexible, part-time options and genuine progression. These need to be delivered through the youth charities and colleges that young people trust, not just national contractors.”

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