The lack of local, affordable rented accommodation and support for rough sleepers were hot topics at a meeting organised by Kingsbridge charities last week.

Housing charity the Cornelius Fund organised the meeting in conjunction with the Kingsbridge Welfare Forum - a group of local caring charities, on Tuesday, June 20 at Kingsbridge Methodist Church.

Andrea Scott, Cornelius Fund committee member, said: “It is increasingly obvious that finding affordable rented accommodation in the area is becoming more and more difficult as rents are far too high for many people looking for somewhere to live.

“And it is also true that if there is someone sleeping on the streets in Kingsbridge, there is no coordinated response here to help them. Those at the meeting spent two hours looking at what more can be done to help those in need.”

One scheme that could perhaps help free-up accommodation is the government’s Rent a Room Scheme - whereby people can let out furnished accommodation in their home and earn up to £7,500 tax free.

Another scheme, run by South Hams District Council, enables landlords to let a house or flat to a social housing tenant currently on the waiting list.

Andrea continued: “Both schemes are extremely valuable and worthwhile. Anyone wanting further information can contact the Cornelius Fund or SHDC.

“We would like to see if we can draw up a register of people willing to let a room for a short time, and also a list of anyone who could let a homeless person stay for a night or two. Perhaps in a shed or an old caravan, maybe just to get them somewhere safe until the local authority can help them.”

The group also discussed the need for a drop-in day shelter to support homeless people as well. They are now hoping to have a follow-up meeting in the next couple of months to explore issues with some other housing agencies.

If anyone would like to get involved or discuss what support there is available, please contact Andrea Scott on 01803 712753, Roger Tyler on 01548 853287, or the Kingsbridge Family Church on 01548 852770.