Laura Sharman 30 September 2016

Council blasts 'false economy' of lowering benefit cap

A study by welfare chiefs at Liverpool City Council has revealed an additional 710 families will be affected by the government’s lowering of the benefit cap from November.

The council said the new £20,000 cap could put families at risk of losing their home, which would cost the council around £400 a week to rehouse them in temporary accommodation.

One in three children already live n poverty in the city, and the figures show the cap will lead to an average rent reduction contributions of £44 per week per household.

Cllr Jane Corbett, cabinet member for fairness, social inclusion and equalities at the council, said: ‘We’re now really worried about the impact of the lower benefit cap and we know it will tip some families over the edge. Aside from the devastating social consequences and stress that this will cause, all it is doing is shifting the cost from the Government over to the council, housing associations and other partners at the same time as we’re facing cuts to our budgets.

‘The truth is that the money saved on the benefits bill must be set against the cost to the public purse of paying Discretionary Housing Payments and housing families in temporary accommodation if they are evicted. Put simply it is a false economy.’

The council said it was topping up its Discretionary Housing Payments by £600,000 to help those in financial crisis.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner

Sheffield City Council
£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council

Senior Housing Options Advisor

Wyre Borough Council
£35,235 - £37,938
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our expanding Housing Options Team Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

Hyndburn Borough Council
National Living Wage (SCP2)
Hyndburn is a great place to work. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Service Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 16 £54,800 - £58,798 (Pay Award Pending). Potential earnings up to £61,298 per annum.
Lead with Purpose. Inspire Change. Transform Lives. Your Next Chapter Starts Here  Are you a visionary leader with a passion for making a lasting dif Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Enforcement Officer

Hyndburn Borough Council
£33,366 – £35,235 (Scale SCP 23-25) (plus 10% enhancement)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Licensing Department for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated Licensing Enforcement Officer. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council
Linkedin Banner