THE charity Shelter reports a 23 per cent increase in homelessness since this coalition Government came to power in 2010.

The Government has capped the rents for housing benefit and typically will only pay £150 a week for a one-bedroom property.

This is totally unrealistic and unfair, as Oxford’s rents are, in some areas, more expensive than London.

People who are being made redundant through no fault of their own cannot afford to rent even a modest property.

Is it any wonder that people are ending up on the streets?

JANE REEVE, Cowley Road, Oxford