Mark Whitehead 03 November 2017

Housing benefit freeze risks increasing homelessness, council chiefs warn

A freeze on the housing benefit paid to low-income families in the private rented sector risks increasing homelessness, councils have warned.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government’s decision not to apply the limit on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for people living in social and supported housing was a crucial step.

But it says homelessness is at risk of increasing if it does not also lift the freeze in the private sector where rents have risen in England by nearly 11% in the last five years.

A survey by the LGA reveals that 96% of responding councils were concerned that homelessness would increase if the current restriction in the private housing sector was not lifted.

In the survey nine in 10 councils said private landlords in their area were renting fewer homes to low income households.

The LGA says councils are currently housing more than 77,000 homeless families in temporary accommodation including more than 120,000 children.

LGA housing spokesperson Judith Blake said: 'It is hugely positive that the Government has decided not to apply the LHA rate to families in social and supported housing.

'We should now take the important step to lift the LHA freeze for private renters and connect it with real rents, which will be massive step towards achieving our national ambition to end homelessness.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner