Jacqueline Horvath, of Fore Street, Kingsbridge, writes:

Having had to recently give up my job, and take carers allowance to look after my elderly Mmother, I now find that I need to move home to accommodate her imminent release from hospital, into my family's care full time.

For this, I need a 2/3 bedroom house or Bungalow. I am, because of being a carer, therefore on benefits, and have a small French mulldog.

Without exception, 90 per cent of rentals advertised locally, say 'no DHSS, pets,etc.' Why?

I have, in the past, paid up to 45 per cent tax, and now, because I care for my mother, am put into a bracket of what? 'A suspect tenant, unreliable, lower class bracket, unable to pay rent, not to be trusted?'

I would love to know why landlords say 'no DHSS'? What exactly does that represent to them?

Do they consider that sometimes, the most responsible people are in that position simply because they put caring before wealth, or alternatively, have simply hit on difficult times.

It doesn't mean that they can't cover the rental of the property.

In fact they could be more reliable than others not in their position.

I remember some 35 years ago, when 'the dole' really meant something, represented a class structure, educational limit, etc... This is no longer the case, and hasn't been for many years.

Highly professional people are on benefits through no fault of their own. They take their responsibilities seriously, look after their homes, and would pay their rent before assigning a food budget.

So landlords, if you are able to offer a two bedroom home to a couple, with a small, house-trained dog, and a disabled mother who simply wants to live out her remaining days with her family, please let us know.

We are well educated, reliable, responsible and hoping to provide a simple home for a woman of 91, who more than deserves care, attention and security.