Ellie Ames 13 October 2023

Housing allowance freeze forcing more into homelessness, Government told

Housing allowance freeze forcing more into homelessness, Government told image
Image: Srdjan Randjelovic / Shutterstock.com

More people will be forced into homelessness unless a three-year freeze on housing rental benefits is ended, the Government has been warned.

Nineteen organisations, including homelessness charities and the Local Government Association, have written to chancellor Jeremy Hunt urging him to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in the Autumn Statement.

LHA is paid to people who qualify for housing benefit but rent in the private sector. Rates vary between areas but have remained frozen since April 2020 despite rising rental prices.

The letter says: ‘At a time of high inflation and rising rents, the LHA freeze is not only resulting in renters of all ages (including thousands in work) losing their homes as their rents rise, it is then leaving them unable to find another, even with the council’s help, because there are no available homes that are genuinely affordable.’

This has resulted in a ‘dramatic increase’ in homelessness, with the highest number of households in temporary accommodation ever recorded and a 26% rise in the number of people sleeping rough, the letter says.

A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions said the Government had invested £30bn in housing support this year and maintained its £1bn boost to LHA.

The spokesperson added: ‘But, the key is preventing homelessness before it occurs which is why we have given £2bn over three years to help local authorities tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner