Kingston's renters spend more than a third of their pre-tax income on rent, an MP has claimed.

The figure comes from statistics compiled by the House of Commons library for Tooting MP Sadiq Khan, and is below the London average of 49 percent.

But Mr Khan said the numbers showed "just how badly Londoners are suffering" from a housing crisis.

He added: "We must help generation rent by making renting more affordable and secure."

Last month the Surrey Comet reported that supported living residents at Surbiton YMCA found it hard to move on from the hostel because saving for a rent deposit was so expensive.

RELATED STORIES

Lead member for housing Ian George said the borough was "light years behind" in providing sufficient affordable housing.

But the proportion of income spent on rent in other boroughs is higher still.

In neighbouring Richmond the figure is 45 percent, and in Merton, 50 percent.

Surrey Comet: Sadiq Khan appointed Shadow Minister for London

The statistics were compiled for Tooting MP Sadiq Khan

Alex Hilton, director of pressure group Generation Rent, said: "With rents so high, it’s becoming impossible for native Londoners and newcomers alike to make a life for themselves in the capital.

"London will start seeing a brain drain and that will cripple businesses with rising wage pressures, damaging the city and the UK economy as a whole."

Figures from lettings experts HomeLet show average rent in Kingston rose six percent in the 12 months to February, and sat at £876.