SHOCKING figures show that only five per cent of one, two and three-bedroom Slough properties are affordable to those on local housing allowance.

As the cost of living crisis continues, reports show that people who rent their homes are more likely to be struggling with both bills and the cost of their accommodation.

Real Estate Company Zoopla has reported that at the start of 2022 one in four private renters in England were reliant on housing benefits to keep a roof over their heads.

This means 1.2 million households could not afford their rent alone.

In contrast, analysis of Zoopla listings data found that fewer than one in eight properties available for rent last year were affordable to those in receipt of housing benefits.

This has left tens of thousands facing shortfalls in rent amid a cost-of-living crisis.   

Slough Observer:

In the local authority of Slough, the average rental property costs £1,600 a month and takes 22 days to rent.

The surge in rent costs has not been matched by the local housing allowance, with individuals requiring support for a one-bedroom flat or house only being given £184.11 a week.

While those seeking a four-bedroom property are given £368.22 a week.

The added pressure of bills, food and necessities has left many choosing between eating and heating.

Founder and coordinator of Slough Outreach Shin Dhother said: "At the moment people can't get housing.

"The cost of living has affected everyone, everyone knows someone out there that is struggling at the moment.

"Some of our guys that are on benefits are struggling to get a rented property.

"They may be on universal credit and just struggling to get the deposit together.

"Only yesterday we had people come in and say that the landlords they have been renting from, through no fault of their own, have given them a section 21.

"The number is increasing on a daily basis.

"People are becoming desperate now."

Shin went on to state that the local housing allowance is 'not enough' to pay the asking rent from landlords and there is not enough social housing to go around.

Slough Outreach has been providing those in need with food parcels, a listening ear and the ability to signpost people to organisations and people who can offer further help.

They call for a more connected, multi-agency type of support to support the wider community amid the cost of living crisis.

To contact Slough Outreach visit sloughoutreach.org