Londoners want next Mayor to tackle 'appalling' homelessness in capital

Most Londoners are "appalled" at the scale of homelessness in the capital and want the next Mayor to do more to tackle the problem, according to a new report.

A group of 21 charities called for a new drive to end rough sleeping and increase access to private rented housing for people on low incomes.

The Lead London Home campaign said the average age of death for a homeless person is just 47, and they are 13 times more likely to be victims of violence.

A survey of more than 1,100 adults found that three out of four want the next Mayor to tackle the problem and most said they were "appalled" at the scale of homelessness.

The campaign group said current Mayor Boris Johnson had made significant strides to reduce homelessness, including launching services such as No Second Night Out.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, one of the charities in the group, said: "Londoners care deeply about homelessness, with 10,000 alone volunteering at Crisis at Christmas centres last month. It is time for the candidates to show that they take this issue as seriously as those who will be voting in May.

"London is one of the wealthiest cities in the world - the fact it is facing such a rise in homelessness is nothing short of a scandal. By pledging to Lead London Home the next Mayor will be pledging to arrest this rise and to help the thousands of people who find themselves homeless each year."

Homeless Link Chief Executive Rick Henderson added: "The priority after May must be prevention, including helping those with the most complex needs and providing specialist support for vulnerable and minority groups. For those already homeless it is vital to ensure that there is a clear route off the street, as well as investment in new homes.

"Ultimately the Mayor of London not only has the opportunity to act but the platform to be a voice for those who are most in need of representation. Whoever wins in May must use that opportunity."