Voluntary agencies, police, and youth offending and drug action teams need to pool knowledge to combat pimping and drug misuse.

according to a report on prostitution and commercial sex work in London’s East End most female prostitutes in the area engage in sex to fund their drug habits and meet basic needs, such as accommodation, food, children’s clothes and fuel bills.

The study, by local charities Toynbee Hall and Providence Row, says that tackling prostitution in the area can only be done by also tackling drug crime, and calls on social care agencies to work with the police. Crackdowns by the police succeed only in pushing the women into neighbouring streets, it says.

It finds that women and girls enter the commercial sex system in many ways, and that early intervention with help and advice is required so they do not become regular commercial sex workers.

It suggests more integrated working and an emphasis on prevention. Work should also be carried out with female rough sleepers as they are most at risk.

- Report on the Working Party on Prostitution and Commercial Sex Work in E1 from 020 7392 2939.