A heartfelt story about a homeless dad who came to the UK to work but died in a shop doorway was heard at a meeting last night.

Sanjeev was forced to move onto the streets after losing his job, and died in the doorway of Lynton House earlier this year.

He had moved from India to the UK to work and had left his family behind, but ended up homeless.

The story was recounted by Cllr Bob Littlewood at a full council meeting last night.

Redbridge Council voted in favour of writing a letter to the government, asking for changes for homeless regulations.

Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of the council, said: “Migrant homelessness is not recorded properly. There is a hidden homelessness within the migrant community, which often involves children and people are dying on our streets.

“Homelessness has more than doubled since this Conservative government came to power. The government needs to end its immigration policy of a hostile environment now.

“This council will look after its residents, if we have to go it alone then so be it. We will work tirelessly towards that.”

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “The safety net for these people is shrinking.

“We shouldn’t have to jump through hoops for funding that we know we need.

“The high levels of homelessness on Britain’s streets? That is this government’s choice.”

The Labour-led administration wants better funding for local governments and a change in regulations which would allow councils to offer more support to those in need.

Conservative members pushed for an amendment, which would have removed some of the stern criticism of the government’s policies, but this was voted down by the Labour majority.

A total of 11 tories councillors then voted against the draft letter being sent at all.

There are currently 65 homeless individuals on Redbridge’s streets, 60 men and five women.