Emergency shelters across London will now be open every day there are sub-zero temperatures to tackle rough sleeping this winter, it has been announced.

A new initiative launched by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, alongside 18 charities, aims to ensure first-time rough sleepers do not have to stay out for a second night.

Work is currently underway to provide a ‘rapid response’ permanent hub in Hackney for the ‘No Second Night Out’ service, ready for early next year, while a project for a second one in Lewisham will begin this coming spring.

Agreements have now been reached with all 33 London boroughs.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “We’ve already started to make progress in London, but it’s still shocking that so many people in our city feel they have no choice but to sleep on the streets.

“We must continue to take action because one person sleeping rough is always one too many.

“That’s why I am pleased to be joining forces with our new coalition of charities dedicated to this cause, offering a single donation point for Londoners who want to give money to those who need help the most.

“I urge Londoners to donate and join me in helping people sleeping on our streets to connect with vital services.”

The number of people sleeping rough has more than doubled in the past year since 2010 – from 3,975 to above 8,000 – according to the Mayor.

The London Homeless Charities Group is a new coalition which offers Londoners access to a single donation point, where proceeds are apportioned equally to all charities involved and help provide vital services for those sleeping rough and in most need.

The number of people sleeping rough has more than doubled in the past year since 2010 – from 3,975 to above 8,000 – according to the Mayor.