Time for action as London rough sleeping rises again

In London 8,096 people slept rough over the course of 2015/16, figures released today reveal a 7 per cent rise on the previous year, and more than double the reported figure of 3,975 in 2010/11.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “These latest figures lay down a gauntlet that Sadiq Khan simply cannot ignore – he must show the ambition and leadership necessary to tackle a situation that is now reaching crisis proportions.

“It is encouraging that Mr Khan has shown support for a change to the law to improve the help available to homeless people from their councils while Mr Khan’s commitment to build affordable housing is also welcome. 

“What the capital needs now is a wide-ranging, ambitious plan with sustained investment to tackle rough sleeping and to prevent homelessness. For a city as prosperous as London to be facing this sort of crisis is indefensible, but it is within Mr Khan’s power to end it. We are here to help him to achieve this and look forward to working with him in the coming months.”