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James Brokenshire has admitted government policies may have played a role in the rise of homelessness since 2010 when the Tories came to power.

The Housing Secretary said last week the rise was due to social issues including drugs and alcohol, mental health and family breakdown.

But today the housing minister has admitted that the Tories' policies may have played a role.

Figures collected for the first time and released last week showed deaths of homeless people are up a quarter in the past five years.

Shelter believes that there are 320,000 homeless people living in temporary accommodation in the UK, and more then 120,000 children classed as homeless in England.

(Image: PA)

Rough sleeping is up 169% since 2010, including a 73% rise between 2014 and 2017.

The Government has said that there are 4,751 sleeping rough in the UK.

In an interview with Politico Mr Brokenshire did not deny that government policy may have played a role, admitting: “We do have to look and reflect on ourselves as to the increase."

He said that he and others in government had begun to look at the data behind the rise.

(Image: Facebook)

“That’s why we are doing work with the DWP to work and create a data set, a much better understanding of the influences between welfare changes and its impact in relation to homelessness," he said.

Last week's figures were thrown into relief when it emerged that a rough sleeper had died outside the underground entrance to Parliament.

Gyula Remes was found collapsed in the tunnel linking parliament to Westminster station - he later died in hospital.

(Image: Ben Stevens)

Staff working in Parliament have so far donated more than £5,000 to ensure Gyula Remes "will not be forgotten".

All funds will go towards StreetLink, which helps connect rough sleepers with local advice and support services.

Asked about whether he gives money to people on the street, Mr Brokenshire admits he doesn't.

“The charities I talk to say it should be up to someone’s individual choice,” he says.

“Other charities will say that by giving, you will sustain someone on the street, as they’re not able to get the help they need. It’s not for me to advise on that.”

He added: “I will always buy a copy of the Big Issue if I come across a seller each week. I tend to give in that sort of way. People will do things in their own way.”