A new report on household debt has sparked a renewed call for the government to halt rent increases across the country.

The Tasc report found that renters are nearly four times more likely to go without heating due to a lack of money than home owners, while just under 30 per cent have fallen behind on utility bills.

Other findings include how one in three renters who are in debt, are overburdened by debt repayment.

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Labour TD Duncan Smith has hit out at the government over the figures and called for immediate action.

"The simple fact remains that rents here are too high and unaffordable for the vast majority of people," he commented.

"The key to resolving the housing and homelessness crisis is for the State to start building social and affordable homes on a large scale, on public land.

"In the meantime however, we have to take immediate steps to halt rent rises until enough homes have been built, through a national rent freeze.

"It is imperative that the next Government prioritises housing and takes action straight away to deal with this crisis."

(CM/MH)