OVER 4,700 people were forced to sleep on the streets in London over the summer, new figures show.

Recording data from July through to September, the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) found that 45 per cent of those sleeping rough (2,116) were on the streets for the first time.

Emma Haddad, chief executive of homelessness charity St Mungo’s, said: “These figures are damning proof of our ongoing housing crisis, with rough sleeping at the sharpest end.  

“Without enough affordable and social rented housing in the capital, thousands are being pushed into an overstretched homelessness system that simply cannot help everyone quickly enough. 

“Without stable housing and early access to specialist support services, people are left trying to rebuild their lives on quicksand.”

A government spokesperson said: “We are tackling homelessness and making sure everyone has a place to call home. A record £39 billion will deliver the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation - with up to £11.7 billion to build these homes in London, and a wider drive to significantly ramp up house building across the capital. 

“Over £420 million is also being invested in homelessness services in the city.”