A report that suggests discrimination towards those on housing benefit is further evidence of the Government’s inability to deal with the housing crisis, according to a Harrow councillor.

It comes following an investigation by Shelter, which contacted 149 branches from five of the UK’s biggest letting agencies about their selection policies.

The research found that ten per cent of branches have an outright ban on serving people in receipt of housing benefit.

And almost half of those questioned said they would not have any available properties or landlords willing to rent to housing benefit tenants.

Cllr Phillip O’Dell, responsible for housing at Harrow Council, said the issue lies not with the landlords but with the lack of options presented by the Government.

He said: “Many of those in receipt of housing benefit are in employment but struggle to find suitable homes on the private rental market.

“We don’t blame landlords – this is essentially a supply problem, and just another symptom of Government inaction in the face of the housing crisis.”

He explained that there are fewer than 5,000 council homes in Harrow but 16,000 people on housing benefit.

Those involved in the investigation pointed out that, whatever the situation, there should never be cases of ‘no DSS’ [department for social security] when it comes to people trying to find accommodation.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said the practice is “morally bankrupt” and urged all letting agents and landlords to do away with housing benefit bans.

She added that the charity has seen several families “pushed to breaking point” after being refused tenancy due to their benefit status.

Caren Duhig, a single mother from Harrow, said she has faced such discrimination in the past.

This is despite the fact she works four jobs to “try and make ends meet”, runs a thriving community group, and has to care for her 11-year-old daughter.

Harrow Times:

Caren Duhig, and her daughter, Cassie

“I’ve been everywhere looking for a property, trying to find people who will take those on housing benefit,” she said.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare at times – as soon as they hear that you’re on housing benefit, they won’t touch you.

“They don’t look at everyone’s individual circumstances, they tar everyone with the same brush and look down on you from the start.”

She explained that, despite her struggles, not all landlords are immediately dismissive.

Her current landlord, Eikon Estates, accept those in receipt of housing benefit and she said she has been “lucky” to have someone so understanding.