The right-on rush to join bandwagon

HOMELESSNESS is coming under the spotlight as politicians scramble to tackle the issue.

Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham last year pledged 15 per cent of his £110,000 salary to cut rough sleeping in the city. But it has risen 20 per cent since May.

He was followed by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who launched a homelessness campaign at Christmas. Some 8,000 slept rough in the capital last year.

Simon Dudley, of Windsor Council, was criticised last month after saying rough sleepers should be cleared from the town centre for the royal wedding in May.

Last week the council said its plans to fine homeless people £100 for antisocial behaviour needed ‘further work’ after public criticism.