In response to figures released today by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which reveal that one in five deaths of homeless people in England and Wales in 2018 took place in London, Labour’s London Assembly Housing Spokesperson, Tom Copley AM, said:
“It is absolutely tragic and outrageous to see yet another rise in the number of homeless people dying on our streets.
“From City Hall, the Mayor is demonstrating the necessary political will to end homelessness in the capital, investing millions into vital support and outreach services for rough sleepers.
“With this scandal casting a dark shadow over communities across the country, we saw the Chancellor in the Commons Chamber today claim that the Government’s current approach will end rough sleeping by 2022.
“These assurances will only ring hollow, unless the Government comes on board with the efforts being undertaken at City Hall, properly confronts the consequences of austerity and adequately funds homelessness support and prevention programmes”.
ENDS