The old adage ‘the streets of London are paved with gold', has for some been true, in the sense that our capital is a place of opportunity and wealth creation. But for many, the bleak lyrics of Ralph McTell's 1970s hit Streets of London are the harsh reality.

More than 175,000 Londoners are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation. This is equivalent to one in 50 Londoners and means on average at least one homeless child in every classroom.