Act now to solve homeless crisis

■ I COMMEND your expose of the scandal of Britain’s homeless which, as you rightly say, shames the country. Homelessness is often caused by a combination of factors, including unemployment, eviction, relationship breakdown and illness. However, it is unacceptable for anyone to have to sleep rough in one of the richest countries in the world.

The largest programme of social housing construction since the end of the Second World War must commence without delay so that vulnerable people are not at the mercy of rapacious private landlords. It’s also the case that benefits for people unable to work don’t cover essentials. Homelessness and poverty can be solved, but only with political will.

Keeley-Jasmine Cavendish South East London

■ Great to see the Mirror picking up the gauntlet on behalf of the thousands of rough sleepers on our streets, many through no fault of their own. This Tory Government is so out of touch and has so little sense of humanity it is almost criminal. The main reason for this desperate situation is Universal Credit. Giving rent payment direct to families who are struggling to feed their children and pay their utility bills has got to be the worst social decision ever made by a government. These people are torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. Roger Grant, Thurnscoe South Yorks

■ I work at a homeless centre in London and see so many vulnerable people.

It is really sad but this could be prevented by the Government urgently building more council houses so everyone can have a chance of a home at a reasonable rent.

Sheila Jones, South London

■ So, the Conservative Party says they will clear the streets of rough sleepers by 2027 and also that they are putting money into the NHS. Maybe they need reminding why we’re in this situation in the first place. Please, good people of the UK, remember just what this uncaring Tory Government has put us through at the next election.

M Tuplin, Ulceby, North Lincs

■This heartless Tory Government needs replacing asap. Reading about the homeless was heartbreaking. A lot of the blame must be pinned on this penny-pinching Government. Never mind Brexit, people’s lives are at stake. It is time the powers that be stepped up and tackled homelessness once and for all. David Marsden Bridlington, East Yorks

■ We don’t have to look far to see who took the Great out of Britain. The streets are littered with homeless people dying through sickness caused by the selfish, rich politicians in power who created austerity. It’s a disgrace.

Michael Maher, Ashton-under-Lyne, Gtr Manchester