Help the homeless

SHELTER’S latest report paints a shocking picture of the homelessness crisis affecting one in 200 Britons.

It is a sadly familiar story to me. When I was out with Lambeth’s rough-sleeping team this week, I saw people sheltering in collapsing tents, shivering in the rain and in distress.

Almost all had been the victim of physical, mental or sexual abuse.

Despite government cuts to our budget, Lambeth has committed £4 million to rough-sleeping services, including 500 beds and rooms.

We help hundreds off the street every year, have built the first new council homes in a generation in the borough and house thousands who need temporary accommodation.

The Government needs to make addressing the housing crisis in partnership with councils —whatever their political colour — a priority.

Cllr PAUL GADSBY, Lambeth, South London.