The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been criticised over its failure to provide temporary accommodation for people who are homeless in Belfast.

SDLP Councillor Paul McCusker, hit out at the lack of action being taken to mitigate the situation.

"Everyday it is a struggle to find a bed in Belfast for those most vulnerable, with many applicants being turned away and told to queue up at a night shelter which is already struggling to cope with the demand," he said.

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"Although the demand has been increasing for months, we have seen little action taken to deal with the crisis or a plan to mitigate against it, resulting in many individuals having to spend time on the street and run the risk of becoming entrenched.

"Many individuals and families present as homeless due to financial hardship, relationship problems, addiction, and mental health; often they can feel forgotten about by society. Many homeless organisations are working under immense pressure every day to care and support those who find themselves homeless but this pressure must be eased."

Continuing, Cllr McCusker said: "Until there’s a radical reform of the current homelessness strategy and extra resource provided for those who present homeless, we will continue to see numbers increase on the streets."

(LM/MH)