Sadiq Khan plans to end rough sleeping in London by 2030
According to the Trust for London, the number of people sleeping rough in London was almost 12,000 in 2023/24.The charity's figures show a threefold increase in people sleeping on the streets last year than in 2008/09.The government funding will be used to open a new Ending Homelessness Hub, that provide 24/7 support to those most at risk of sleeping rough, and expand the Homes off the Streets programme by refurbishing up to 500 empty homes.The mayor said he will end the current requirement for Londoners to be seen sleeping on the streets before they can access support, and to ensure that those at greatest risk of rough sleeping are helped early, based on their specific needs.Sir Sadiq said: "During my election campaign, I promised to develop a plan to end rough sleeping for good by 2030. "I'm proud to be delivering on that promise. We know the best way to end rough sleeping is to stop it before it starts.""That's why we're putting prevention at the heart of our response."City Hall's rough sleeping budget is £44.8m in 2025/26, a fivefold increase on 2016 when the mayor took office.
Lord Bailey said "press releases full of fake concern and small sums of money to window dress this issue are not enough".He added: "Londoners are suffering on the frontline of this, as are the councils who support them - because Khan and the Labour Party won't do enough."Dealing with rough sleeping is pushing council budgets into the red across the city as the issue becomes worse and worse."Emma Haddad, chief executive of homeless charity St Mungo's, said rough sleeping "is a crisis and should not be a prerequisite for help".She added: "Many of our clients face long-term mental and physical health needs, which can increase the risk of homelessness and make it that much harder for people to get the support they need. "We're also seeing more people locked out of an increasingly unaffordable private rental sector, exacerbated by poor supply of housing and intense demand for it."City Hall said the mayor's new strategy would include specialist services that recognise the needs of particular groups of Londoners, such as those who face additional barriers to accessing services due to high support needs or uncertain immigration status.
'Khan not the first mayor to pledge action'
Analysis by Karl Mercer, BBC London political editorHe may be the latest mayor to promise to end rough sleeping, but Sir Sadiq Khan is not the first.A year after becoming mayor, as he launched his new London Delivery Board, Boris Johnson had declared: "It's scandalous in the 21st century that people have to resort to sleeping on the streets." He promised to end rough sleeping in the capital by the time the Olympics were coming in 2012.He failed, even though he re-visited the issue in his winning 2019 manifesto on the national stage - promising to end rough sleeping by the end of the next parliament. He failed again.Sir Sadiq's pledge is to end it by 2030 - promised during his election-winning campaign last year - but promised against statistics that show the problem is actually on the rise.In 2017/18 - a year after he took over at City Hall - there were around 7,500 rough sleepers annually, prompting the mayor to say a year later that he was "embarrassed and angry" that so many were on the streets.After rising to a then-high of 11,018 in 2020/21, numbers did fall.But they have been on the rise for the past two years - and last year reached an all-time high of 11,993.That, at a time when funding on rough sleepers initiatives has gone up from around £8m to around £45m.Setting a deadline and targets will certainly focus minds on the issue, but rough sleeping is probably just the most visible sign of London's homelessness problem.Last week, London's major housing associations told BBC London they're building 66% fewer affordable homes than they were two years ago - blaming high prices, tougher building regulations and the high cost of maintaining their current homes. A day later the government and the mayor agreed a 22% drop in the target for affordable home building in the capital.The mayor's focus will be on trying to prevent people ending up on the streets in the first place - but he will know delivering many more homes will also be a key part of any sustainable future plan.
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BBC News
18 hours ago
- BBC News
Sadiq Khan says his mission to Africa will boost London business
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The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Andy Burnham calls on Starmer to tackle ‘explosion of homelessness'
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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Secret docs reveal London disaster plan for nuke blitz… from contaminated bodies stripped to victims held in ‘Hot Zones'
The alarming plans, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, tell responders how to deal with piles of contaminated dead bodies OPERATION APOCALYPSE Secret docs reveal London disaster plan for nuke blitz… from contaminated bodies stripped to victims held in 'Hot Zones' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TERRIFYING secret plans setting out how London would deal with a nuke attack have been obtained by The Sun. The chilling documents lay bare the grim reality of how Londoners would face nuclear Armageddon in great detail. 9 Plans for dealing with a nuclear attack on London have been obtained by The Sun Credit: Getty 9 They show that the city is braced to deal with mass casualties and contaminated survivors following an attack Credit: Getty 9 Some parts of the plans have been redacted for security reasons Credit: Getty They include grim strategies for dealing with thousands of dead bodies and how thousands more survivors would have to strip off and be decontaminated after being affected by a nuclear bomb. Disturbingly, parts of the horror plans are redacted for national security and public safety reasons - meaning the reality may be even bleaker. Obtained by The Sun under Freedom of Information laws, the four documents, which total over 200 pages, reveal the extent of the nuclear preparations, showing a city braced for its darkest hour. But despite repeated threats from tyrants such as Vladimir Putin, it is unlikely the UK will be the victim of a nuclear attack. In the immediate aftermath of a nuclear attack, the agencies involved in the London Resilience Group, which authored the documents, have been told to put into place "urgent control measures" to prevent exposure, evacuate people, provide shelter and restrict access to the affected area. Emergency Alerts, developed by the government to alert the public about emergencies that represent a severe threat to life, would be used. The official plans reveal how after a Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear and/ or explosive materials or weapons incident, which they abbreviate to CBRN(e), a "Mass Fatality Coordinating Group" would be activated to manage the scale of death. The group would "provide options for dealing with incidents involving large numbers of human fatalities". They would also provide "strategy for body recovery and identification during an incident where the number of fatalities is greater than normal local arrangements can manage". A Mortality Management Group would "coordinate the management of excess deaths" including the recovery and repatriation of bodies. The Coroner would also step in to oversee the identification of dead bodies and deal with remains which have been contaminated by nuclear fallout. Chillingly the document adds: "Following decontamination there may still be contamination risks associated, for example, with internal organs of the body. "Precautions such as specialist protective equipment and procedures apply from transportation through to mortuary arrangements, storage, and burial. There are pathologists trained in CBRN(e)." The London Fire Brigade would also step into action, with the plans setting out how its firefighters have been "trained and equipped to enter the Hot Zone". 9 There are detailed plans in place to deal with the immediate, medium and long term effects of a nuke attack Credit: Getty 9 Firefighters have been trained to enter the 'hot zone' in the effect of a nuclear bomb dropping on London Credit: Getty 9 This graphic from the documents show what groups would be set up to deal with a nuclear attack Credit: London Resilience Forum Firefighters also have the capability to "carry out emergency mass decontamination of the public and to protect the environment" and have specialist instruments to monitor radiation and other hazards, it states. It comes as the UK and France signed a joint agreement to co-ordinate nuclear strikes in the event of World War Three as Russia, China and Iran ramp up threats. In the immediate aftermath of a fireball the focus would be on threat and hazard assessment and scene management, according to the documents. The documents, released by the Mayor of London's Office, set out how first responders to the blast must "confirm incident details" using the METHANE acronym, which stands for Major Incident, Exact location, Type of incident, Hazards, Access to scene, Number, severity of casualties and Emergency services on scene. Then in the following hours and first few days after the nuke attack, the focus would switch to rescue, triage and treating victims, then "decontamination of persons". Police would be responsible for the control of people kept inside "the cordon" while the National Health Service (NHS) would oversee "the management of those people who are contaminated, potentially contaminated or who are in fear of having been contaminated". MASS DECONTAMINATIONS In harrowing detail, the document explains how bodies would have to be quickly removed and survivors would have to be separated into male and female, strip off and be decontaminated. "The prompt evacuation (removal of casualties from the scene of contamination), disrobing (undressing is a critical step in reducing exposure to CBRN(e) materials) and decontamination of those affected is crucial to save life and reduce impacts," it reads. Three types of decontamination will be used; initial, mass and clinical. Initial decontamination involves using "an immediately available method of decontamination" on all "disrobed casualties" as a priority by any emergency services on-scene. "It is recognised by all agencies that this may carry risk of exposure too cold for certain groups (e.g. children, the elderly, and the injured)," the document adds. NHS 'OVERWHELMED' If the number of people requiring decontamination "has overwhelmed, or threatens to overwhelm NHS capacity," the London Fire Brigade will "initiate mass decontamination procedures". "Due care must be taken to maintain the privacy and dignity of individuals," the sombre instructions read. "The process requires the removal of all clothing and belongings prior to decontamination. "The provision of separate facilities for males and females is important, as is respect towards beliefs and values." It adds: "Decontamination requires a high-level of compliance and consideration should also be given to language barriers and the needs of those with disabilities." 9 This document shows some of the strategies in place to deal with a nuke incident Credit: London Resilience Forum 9 Agencies are urged to make sure their staff are fully trained to deal with an attack Credit: Getty 9 This graphic from the papers show some of the financial impacts an attack may have Credit: London Resilience Forum Medical procedures to treat patients affected by or contaminated with nuclear materials will also be carried out by trained staff in Powered Respiratory Protection Suits (PRPS) or other appropriate PPE and "patients will be triaged according to clinical need". Soon after a nuclear blast, a communication group will be set up to co-ordinate information given to the press and media. "Key messaging regarding any deployment of assets (including military assets) should come through the communication group," the documents state. Those who have survived the blast will need to be evacuated and placed in shelters and an Evacuations and Shelter Co-ordinating Group would be formed to carry out the mammoth task. A "Survivor Reception Centre" would be set up to co-ordinate "medical counter measures" and deal with the logistics of helping thousands of displaced people - including providing food and transport. ROYALS MONITORED Threats to "strategically significant locations and events" and the security of royals and diplomats would be closely monitored. In the medium team focus would extend to the decontamination of buildings and the environment, the preservation of evidence, contact tracing for those who may have been exposed to nuclear material and help for animals and wildlife that may have been affected by the blast. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) would lead on the decontamination of buildings and infrastructure. Support would also be available for the main responders from a group called the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) - Specialist Response Team, which is managed by the Ministry of Defence through a contractor, the documents reveal. They would provide "authoritative scientific advice and support to the Police on Radiological and Nuclear incidents" although further information on this group is redacted from the documents. The Met Office would provide nuclear "plume modelling" to emergency responders while the Environment Agency would provide guidance "likely remotely via telephone" about the disposal of contaminated waste and drainage systems. MASS CASUALTIES The NHS would coordinate health care across the city by establishing a command centre and collating the "numbers and types of casualties presenting". The documents note how some casualties may leave the scene and escape to NHS sites outside of London, so hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries outside of the capital should be prepared. NHS England would ensure that hospitals have access to antidotes and prophylaxis treatments, which would prevent an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancers following a nuke attack. The department would also distribute "clinical countermeasures across London". The Department of Health would set up contact tracing which would identify people who may have been exposed to contaminants - similar to the Track and Trace service set up during Covid. Again some of the information about the health response is redacted. TOP SECRET MEETINGS The incident would be declared Top Secret, which is the highest of the three Government Security Classification levels. Top Secret meetings during the attack response would have to be held in person and on site, and "there is unlikely to be any remote dial in or conferencing allowed" it is stated. "Some people may require security clearance, but this is not always practical or achievable and information may need to be shared on a 'need to know' basis," one of the documents, entitled the London Strategic Co-ordination Protocol, adds. Scientists would be called up to advise first responders and the wider public on how to cope with a nuclear attack. A Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) group, would be activated by the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR). BOFFINS IN CHARGE A Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) would also be set up "to advise on issues such as the impact on the health of the population, public safety, environmental protection, and sampling and monitoring of any contaminants." The group would write a report which would "pool available information and arrive, as far as possible, at a common view on the scientific and technical merits of different courses of action". Churches and religious groups would be tasked with providing support to survivors and their loved ones at hospitals and temporary mortuary facilities. Work would also need to be done to ensure any food products that are suspected or known to be contaminated do not enter the food chain. Satellite pics show Putin modernising Russia's closest nuke sites to Britain Beyond the immediate fireball and fallout, the stash of documents lay out an extensive vision for "recovery". They talk about "rebuilding, restoring and rehabilitating the community". A "Recovery Coordinating Group" would be established to try and rebuild London piece by piece - involving schools, faith groups, private businesses and mental health care. "Recovery in the aftermath of a CBRN(e) incident may take months or even years," it states. "The approach to recovery may need to address the enduring human, physical, environmental, social and economic consequences. "It may also need to include the ongoing collation of evidence, site cleaning, as well as impacts on public health and communities. "Support from the private sector, voluntary organisations and the wider community may be necessary." SURVIVORS 'TRAUMATISED' A Humanitarian Assistance Steering Group (HASG) would be set up to help meet the needs of those affected by the blast in the short, medium and long term. This would include support to survivors who have been decontaminated and "no longer present a cross contamination risk". Referrals to mental health support would be made for survivors and front-line workers traumatised by what they have seen. "Human impacts may be both complex and protracted, and the psychological effects on individuals and communities may be severe," the documents state. "The survivors of a CBRN(e) incident are likely to have been through a traumatic experience. "Those who do not require hospital treatment will need to be directed to a Survivor Reception Centre, where they can be met by the Police and other services for support." 'NEW NORMALITY' The Recovery Co-ordination Framework document states its main aim is to "work together to coordinate an effective emergency response to save and protect life, preserve evidence, minimise the impact on London's communities and facilitate recovery." It also aims to "mitigate and minimise the impact of contaminants on people and the environment" and offer "survivor and humanitarian assistance" to casualties before steering towards "recovery and the return to a new normality". Each agency and department has undergone training on how to deal with nuclear incidents, and must ensure training is reviewed and revisited regularly. Agencies are also urged to "consider how you would work with IT and communications lock-down" in the event of a large-scale attack. The papers also point out that a nuclear attack could have an even greater impact on poorer areas of London and make existing inequalities worse. "The unequal risk and impact of incidents have the potential to exacerbate existing health inequalities and cause new disparities across communities in London," it reads. Funding for emergency response in the wake of an attack is also set out in the papers. The government would consider providing financial support in the event of an "exceptional emergency" but local authorities should be prepared to "bear the costs". Local councils will also co-ordinate donations from concerned members of the public. The four documents obtained by The Sun were written by the London Resilience Group, which is funded and governed by the Greater London Authority, London Local Authorities and London Fire Commissioner.
