A new charter has been launched to end rough sleeping in London, with London Councils hailing its launch.
The London Charter to End Rough Sleeping has been developed by a coalition – with London Councils being a key partner since the beginning – and is supported by the Mayor of London. The group of partners includes more than 100 businesses, charities, faith groups and people who have lived experience, with the aim of enshrining the principles and actions that are necessary to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in London.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan signed the charter at the end of last week and commented on its importance. Khan said:
“I am proud to launch the first ever London Rough Sleeping Charter alongside our partners – a rallying point for Londoners, businesses, charities and communities to join together to end rough sleeping.”
Across 2022-23 outreach teams in the capital saw more than 10,000 people sleeping rough, with boroughs in London providing them with vital support to help them get off the streets.
London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said:
“The Charter is a shining example of London’s commitment to working together to end rough sleeping for good.
“Rough sleeping is dangerous and dehumanising. With homelessness pressures worsening in the capital, it is the most visible manifestation of a broken housing system.
“Strong partnerships and coordinated action are needed now more than ever before. Boroughs have a pivotal role to play, and I feel privileged to sign up to the Charter.”
Image credit: iStock
Video credit: The Passage YouTube channel
