By Ian Duncan Political reporter

Last updated at 15:42, Friday, 11 January 2013

Carlisle's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate will spend a night sleeping rough next week to highlight the issue of homelessness in the city.

Lee Sherriff

Labour’s Lee Sherriff, who is also a city councillor for the Harraby ward, will join fellow members of Carlisle Labour Party for the Sleep Rough night next Friday.

Miss Sherriff said: “Homelessness is a problem that looks set to increase with proposed changes to housing benefit – such as the bedroom tax and the introduction of universal credit.

“It’s a hidden issue, and people are not aware of the true extent of the problem. So many people have no choice other than to find a sheltered corner outdoors where they hope not to be disturbed at night,” added Miss Sherriff.

“This is why myself and the others involved in the planned sleep-out feel that it is important to spend a night out in the cold, going someway to understanding what it feels like to be in that position”.

Any money raised by the event will go to support Carlisle Key, a charity supporting young adults experiencing homelessness, and Julie Crosbie, who runs the organisation, said: “I was delighted when Lee approached me and said that herself and others wanted to raise awareness of the problem in the city.

“Lee is quite right in saying the problem is likely to increase when the benefit reforms take place.

“We are bracing ourselves for an increase in young people becoming homeless and in need of support.”

Carlisle Key offers support for people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing difficulties with housing and issues related to independent living.

The charity is based in Warwick Road, Carlisle. For further information contact 01228 595566.

First published at 14:37, Friday, 11 January 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk