Housing chiefs say that, in line with the ‘national picture’, more residents are struggling to sustain their homes.

It says the number of households applying as homeless due to their landlord ending their assured shorthold tenancy is increasing.

To make matters worse, changes to benefit legislation is hitting tenants in the private sector, and this has led to the pool of available properties shrinking.

The report says that the comprehensive housing options advice service ensures that those seeking help have as many choices as possible, including the Rent in Advance/Deposit Loan Scheme to help people access privately rented homes.

It says the Housing Needs Service has built excellent links with key stakeholders such as landlords, estate agents, voluntary sector, and housing benefit experts.

It says that the Accommodation Finder Scheme, launched in December 2012, found 53 letting agents and 11 private landlords willing to take part and actively work to acquire accommodation for customers.

It admits that many private sector rents in the area are ‘out of reach’ of those claiming benefits.

The report says: “We are seeing an increase in the numbers of households becoming homeless, and at the same time, a decrease in the private sector rented sector options available.

“As understandably families want and need settled homes, the shrinking of the accessible private rented sector puts further pressure on social housing and the Housing Register”.

For those who hit crisis point, there will be a review of nightly emergency provision within the borough as an alternative to sending people out of the borough to bed and breakfast accommodation.