There were 16,500 cases of homelessness in the past year

The number of homeless cases in Northern Ireland has risen by 16%, according to new figures.

Northern Ireland Housing Executive found that there were 16,500 cases of homelessness in the past year - the equivalent of one in 50 households.

More than 40% of those who approached the executive for new accommodation last year blamed domestic conflict.

Intimidation accounted for 9% of the applications, the Housing Executive figures show.

Carol O'Bryan of the Simon Community Northern Ireland said the number of homeless was a "tragic record" for the province.

"As an accommodation provider we find the demand for emergency accommodation continues to exceed supply," she said.

"Work is being done at an operational level through the rolling out of the Housing Executive's Homelessness Strategy to tackle the issue and homelessness has become a priority for the government through the Promoting Social Inclusion initiative.

"However, since the re-introduction of direct rule there has been a lack of political drive to further these initiatives on homelessness."

'Unacceptable level'

The charity was approached by 3,622 people in need of emergency accommodation during 2002-2003 and was able to accept 895 new residents.

The Simon Community has 279 beds in 18 different locations, but cannot meet demand, Ms O'Bryan said.

The Housing Executive said the increase in households presenting as homeless last year was largely due to marital or relationship breakdown and the breakdown of sharing arrangements.

Even though nearly three quarters of the 8,580 applicants were permanently rehoused within six months, the level of homelessness was "unacceptable", it said.