Green mayoral candidate Sian Berry has accused David Cameron of “inhumanity” for refusing to use EU funds to help homeless people in London.
Ms Berry used her party’s spring conference speech to attack the Prime Minister’s decision not to draw down funds from a £2.5 billion pot that could help destitute migrants.
She told supporters: “David Cameron actually opted the UK out of this scheme in 2013, and has refused to apply again despite pleas from poverty campaigners across the country.”
More than 7,500 people slept rough at some point in London last year, more than double the number six years ago.
Many came from Eastern Europe, including those looking for work but who found themselves jobless. Homeless charities struggle to support them as they rely on benefit payments to cover the costs of hostels and advice.
Campaigners believe the Government should use the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived which helps member countries provide material assistance to the most deprived.
Ms Berry said: “This fund could be used to help destitute EU migrants access the same support as rough sleepers who are UK citizens.”
She added Mr Cameron chose to ignore their plight, which was “not humane or compassionate”.
A Government spokesman said: “No one should ever have to sleep rough, which is why we have increased central funding to tackle homelessness over the next four years to £139 million.
“This EU fund is not new money - anything we take from it comes out of the money we use to help disadvantaged people into work.”
Read More
MORE ABOUT