Charities say there are "long-standing concerns" about use of such programmes in a homelessness context.

This has led to calls for “political will and fresh thinking – not more excuses for inaction”.

The “retention of material and identity of individuals/organisations“ is set to be raised with the PSNI.

“It would make a huge change, if they allowed us to work.”

The full impact of Covid-19 on homelessness is yet to be seen, as minister admits current system is "broken".

Police monitor and report on the public’s social media activity to “measure sentiment in the community”.

The police's approach has been described as “counterproductive and damaging”.