Residents in Kingston and Richmond spend on average almost half their wages on rent, according to new research.

London Assembly member Sian Berry has published her report, called What are London Renters Thinking?, which revealed that 44 per cent of residents spend half their income on rent compared to the London average of 36 per cent.

The report also found the biggest problem facing residents to be rocketing rent costs and unexpected letting agent fees.

Ms Berry said: “As a renter in London for nearly 20 years, it’s important to me that I keep bringing the voices of London’s 2.3 million private renters into City Hall.

“The mayor should look seriously at providing practical help such as office space and seed funding to help found an independent London-wide organisation to represent renters in our city.”

The report calls for more support at the London-wide level for renters, including a central information source with links to existing renter’s groups and council schemes.

It was compiled through a survey of private renters across the capital.

To view the report visit London.gov.uk.