London Mayoral Candidates commit to end rough sleeping by 2012

02 April 2008

St Mungo's joined with three other leading housing and homelessness organisations to challenge the three main parties' candidates for London Mayor to put housing and homelessness at the top of their agendas.

Speaking at a hustings debate in central London, all three candidates agreed that rough sleeping should be eradicated from London by the end of the next mayoral term in 2012.

"To get rough sleepers off the streets, we may have to use some money to provide not just housing but the support as well. But over four years it can be achieved"
Ken Livingstone promised.

St Mungo's is pledging to keep the pressure on the Mayor - whoever it will be - and to follow up last night's words with action.

Charles Fraser, Chief Executive at St Mungo's, said

"It's great that all three mayoral candidates have pledged to end London's housing crisis - however the next London Mayor needs to commit to prioritising rough sleepers in his health and employment strategies. Accessible health and work services for rough sleepers are essential, otherwise they will continue to shuffle between hostels and the streets."

ENDS

For further information please contact the St Mungo's press office on 07713 266 617.

Notes to Editors

  • St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We support people in their recovery - opening the door to safe housing, health care and work.

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