AN MP is calling for an inquiry into homelessness and suicide rates.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas is making the call after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 11 homeless people died in the city last year.

Speaking to The Guardian, Ms Lucas said the problem was that much of the data was confidential.

She said without access to data, it was nearly impossible to find where people have been failed.

Now she is urging Brighton and Hove City Council to hold an inquiry into homelessness and suicide rates in the city.

Although ONS stated the figure as 11, the council said in September that 15 homeless people had died in the last six months.

Jake Humm, a young talented rapper struggling with alcohol addiction and mental health issues, took his own life in Brighton last year, an inquest heard.

Ms Lucas said: “The story of Jake Humm fills me with despair and anger, not just because of his early and unnecessary death but because it appears there were so many warning signs of his deteriorating state, and not enough done to protect him.

“Their needs are complex: mental ill health, drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem.

“[The issue] lies squarely with the Government and its austerity programme which, far from supporting vulnerable young people, has sought to whittle away what little help they had.”

To address the issue, the council said it has recruited six welfare officers to support people in emergency accommodation and a dedicated support worker to work with former rough sleepers.

It has also committed to the establishment of a 365-day-a-year night shelter. It has also opened two new assessment hubs for people who would otherwise rough sleep or for people new to the street.

Councillor Nichole Brennan is lead councillor for rough sleeping and homelessness.

She said investigations will now be carried out following the death of anyone who is rough sleeping, in emergency or temporary accommodation or living in supported housing.

She said: ““We will make sure the findings are used to develop help for those in need. We’ve always worked hard to maintain and improve services for people who are rough sleeping or homeless.

“We have a welfare-first approach which means we treat people with respect and look at how to support those in need. We are co-ordinated across the city working with services, organisations and charities.

“Even one death is one too many. We want to see the number of deaths reduced both locally and nationally.”