MP calls for lower rental deposits for rents to help tackle rise in homelessness

Local MP Tim Farron has called for lower caps on deposits for rents to help combat an increase in the number of homeless people in the South Lakes.

South Lakeland District Council says the number of people who applied for homelessness assistance has trebled over the past 12 months from 61, up to 167.

The Government today presented a bill to Parliament which looked at lowering the cap on deposits to six weeks worth of rent.

However, the homeless charity Shelter said that this was a missed opportunity.

During a debate in the House of Commons on the Tenants Fees Bill, Tim said: "High deposits clearly have a massive impact on rising homelessness.

"The Government's proposed cap on deposits of six weeks rent means that landlords can still get away with charging deposits of around £1100, meaning many people can't afford to rent.

"There is simply no reason why anyone should have to pay a deposit equating to more than a month's rent."