SIR - It is being claimed that private landlords are still discriminating against people on benefits even though it is illegal.

I believe the reason for this is two-fold.

Firstly: private landlords charge much higher rents, probably much higher than should be realistically expected.

Secondly: housing benefit is only paid up to a certain amount, and not paid direct to the landlord, thus creating a shortfall which can and does end up with rent arrears.

What is the solution? Probably none. Landlords I doubt will look for reasonable rents nor will the government pay more in housing benefit. The only starting point would be that all housing benefits be paid direct to the landlord, never to the claimant.

Don Oliver, Gerard House, Idle