The number of homeless people in London has increased by almost a quarter as a result of the rising cost of living in the United Kingdom, according to an analysis by municipal authorities in the British capital.
Between April and September, no fewer than 5,712 people were living on the city's streets, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. The real figure is likely to be even higher, authorities say.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the government to take immediate action to tackle soaring housing prices and costs. He has also called for a freeze on rental prices.
According to the mayor, 13,500 homeless people in London have been helped since 2016, eight out of 10 of them permanently, but the huge financial pressure is putting the neediest at risk.
“We are in a vicious circle of people being homeless as a result of these rising living costs,” he said.
He warned the government that these circumstances must be improved so that thousands of people are not forced to spend the winter on the streets.
