IT IS very unfortunate that the recent conference on homelessness in the city organised by a ‘church collective’ was overshadowed by a dispute over who was or was not invited.

Homelessness in Southampton is a tragedy and a scandal and I welcome any efforts to find a solution.

As Leader of the Putting People First Group of Independent Councillors on the city council I was sent an e-mail at the beginning of December inviting me to attend the conference.

For some reason I failed to realise that it was about finding solutions to homelessness and took no further action.

I apologise unreservedly to all concerned for that.

Councillor Keith Morrell

Putting People First Group, Southampton City Council