Young people in Brighton and Hove who receive state support to help cover their housing costs are being edged out of the city's private rented sector, thanks to letting agents' refusal to take them on - and Government cuts to housing benefit.

A survey of 35 local letting agents carried out by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas found that the majority - 26 - said either a straight ‘no' to people on housing benefit, or have ‘no housing benefit landlords on their books'.

Six letting agents out of the 35 said they were willing to take on claimants on the condition that they had the backing of a financial guarantor.

Only 3 companies in total said they would accept people on housing benefit, but thanks to the Government's cuts to Local Housing Allowance - down from a maximum of £150 a week to £77 a week for 25-35 year olds - none of the properties on their books would have been affordable.

Commenting on the survey results, Caroline Lucas MP said:

"Judging by the responses of the letting agents I've spoken to, it now seems to be virtually impossible for any under-35 year-old on housing support to rent a private property in the city.

"This poses a serious problem for the poorest and most vulnerable young people in Brighton and Hove, who are so often not in a position to provide a guarantor, or to subsidise themselves if housing allowance does not cover their rent.

"It is completely unacceptable that our young people, many of whom are struggling to find work and keep their heads above water in these difficult times, are being excluded from private sector housing.

"Brighton and Hove has one of the biggest private rented sectors in the country - around 23% of all housing - and while there is such a profound shortage of social housing, it's crucial that people on housing support are able to access properties rather than ending up on the streets.

"Given that the changes in LHA would leave 25-35 year olds in Brighton and Hove around £200 per month short of the rent for the cheapest available property, the Government should urgently reconsider this reckless cut.

"We also need to see an end to blatant discrimination in the housing market against people claiming housing benefit."

ENDS