Government criticised over rise in homelessness

National Audit Office report says welfare reform is likely driver behind issue

Government policy blamed for sharp rise in homelessness
The number of people sleeping rough in England has hit a record high
(Image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The number of homeless in the UK has climbed sharply over the past six years, with the government facing criticism over its "light touch" approach to the problem, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report.

The report says a snapshot overnight count of people sleeping rough found 4,134 people, an increase of 143% since the Conservatives took power.

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