We are looking for an independent person in government to represent children's views

Bess Herbert, London Children's Rights Commission

For example, 74% of under-16s in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets are living in households dependent on benefits.

About 27% of London's children have free school meals, but in Tower Hamlets this figure jumps to 55% in primary schools and 67% in secondary schools.

This compares with secondary schools in Sutton where only 8% of pupils receive free meals, says the report.

The national average of 15-year-olds achieving at least five A* to C GCSEs is 49.2%, whereas in inner London only 36.3% do. In outer London 49.8% get the grades.

The report warns that until childrens' services are boosted the differences will remain in education, health and housing.

'Child-friendly city'

The commissioner's office was established by the Greater London Authority last year, to promote the participation of children in public decision-making, and to help make the city more child-friendly.

Bess Herbert, from the organisation, said the report was an important part of this.

"We hope it will highlight the need for children's rights to be taken more seriously, for the approach to it to be more systematic."

She said she hoped the research would boost calls for a national Children's Rights Commissioner who would act as a voice for youngsters and increase children's services.

"We are looking for an independent person in government to represent children's views," she said.

And she said she had a vision of London where "young people experience, above all, a sense of security and safety, a city where all children and young people are respected, listened to and heard."

The report found drugs, bullying, racism, safety on the streets and child abuse are the top concerns among the capital's children.