Last summer’s riots were caused by a lack of opportunities for young people, poor parenting and no confidence in the police, according to a leaked report.

Sky News reported the national Riots, Communities and Victims Panel report, due to be published today, also highlighted materialism and re-offending.

The panel was commissioned by the government to explore the causes of the riots in August last year, which saw Croydon the worst borough affected.

Historic furniture store House of Reeves and several properties were torched as 510 reported crimes, including 232 burglaries, were reported.

According to Sky, the report recommends schools are penalised if pupils leave illiterate, prison-leavers should be given more support and long term unemployed young people promised jobs.

Darra Singh, chairman of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel, expressed his dismay that the report had been leaked.

He said: “We are disappointed that Sky News has leaked contents from a near final version of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel’s final report, which is due to be published tomorrow and is still being finalised.

“Our remit was to give a voice to the communities and victims of the August riots. This leak may have impacted on our ability to ensure they receive the widest possible audience.”