Belfast City Council has announced plans to tackle homelessness throughout the city.

However, while Alliance Cllr Emmet McDonough Brown supported the plans he said the Council's role is limited and there is a great opportunity to show leadership on the issue.

He said: "Let me be clear, homelessness is not just about sleeping rough, but people who live in temporary or overcrowded accommodation and those facing eviction are also considered homeless.

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"Last year alone over 19,000 households registered with the Housing Executive as homeless, with this staggering number highlighting we must act as a Council rather than continuing to ignore the growing problem.

"So together we must acknowledge and re-affirm our responsibilities to those in hardship and, as a city, we must show generosity to our fellow citizens in need."

(CD)