Report reveals 'growing crisis' for renters in Devon and Cornwall

Researchers said the gap between average rents and housing allowance support has now reached 12%

A new report is highlighting the effects of a three-year freeze on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for private sector renters.

The Citizens Advice and University of Plymouth report found the gap between average rents and LHA support has reached 12%.

The report, titled "Sometimes I Sit on the Sofa and Cry", tells the stories of local people struggling to pay rents.

The government said financial support for households has never been higher.

The study focused on the South Hams, Plymouth and south-east Cornwall.

'I cry'

The report highlights the story of Ken, who came to Citizens Advice for support.

The 67-year-old pensioner rents a one-bedroom flat for £475-a-month but only receives £200-a-month in Housing Benefit.

Ken, who is now using a foodbank, said: "I don't have enough coming in to pay what's going out.

"Rising bills, food - is one that's hit me even harder…you know, I sit there on my sofa and cry.

"How have I got into this state?"

The report also contains suggestions to help ease the crisis, including an increase in LHA, an emergency cap on rents and provision of more affordable homes.

'Pressing need'

Citizens Advice South Hams Chief Executive, Janie Moor, said: "This report shows the urgent need for action as more and more people in our region face long waits in temporary accommodation or homelessness."

Dr Nigel Jackson, Associate Professor in the Plymouth Business School, added: "There are thousands of people having to make very difficult financial choices every day as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

"This project has shone a spotlight on the pressing need for collective action to address this."

However, a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions defended its record of financial support.

They said: "We're helping to ease the pressure of rising rents, investing over £30 billion on housing support this year on top of record financial support worth around £3,300 per household.

"We've also maintained our £1bn boost to LHA, while our Discretionary Housing payments provide a safety net for anyone struggling".