Free gas and electrical checks are among the incentives being offered to landlords with properties in Barrow-in-Furness in a bid to encourage them to accept people at risk of homelessness.

The social housing shortage across Cumbria has left some local authorities with little alternative but to think of new ways to increase the housing stock available to them and the people applying for affordable homes.

Barrow Borough Council has decided to address the growing housing crisis in the borough by trying to encourage more private landlords to take on new tenants by launching a new scheme.

Aside from free gas and electricity checks, the incentives being offered to landlords also include smoke and CO2 detectors, designed to ensure that the properties meet the council's safety standards.

Cllr Dave Pidduck, chair of the committee and leader of Barrow Council, “It’s an initiative that is really important. We have landlords that have short and long term apartments.

“If we can get them [landlords] to join the scheme that will be for the benefit of the town but also for then. They will benefit working with the local council.”

If fully implemented this incentive scheme will allow the council to offer six to 12 month tenancies for those presenting to the council's homelessness service.

Cllr Brendan Sweeney said: “It’s [the scheme] a no brainer. There is a huge number of private sector houses in the borough and there are really good landlords used to taking people in. This is encouraging more to have a go at it.”