Mohammad al Fayed has begun an initiative to help London's homeless.

For three months his Harrods store been donating warm clothes, hot food and sleeping bags to those sleeping on the streets.

Forum Response: Shelter

Chris Holmes, director of Shelter, told ePolitix.com: "We strongly applaud Mohammad al Fayed's initiative and would like to encourage other department stores to follow Harrods' lead. However, ultimately, people still need a home.

"We would also like to see Harrods link up with other organisations that focus on long term solutions for homeless problems in order to further channel their efforts."

Forum Response: Centrepoint

A spokesman for Centrepoint told ePolitix.com: "While we welcome Mr al Fayed's concern, Centrepoint believes a longer term approach to homelessness is required.

"The 600 young people that we house each year require a range of services that this scheme cannot provide."