Mark Whitehead 18 April 2023

Landlords accuse Government of complacency over benefits

Landlords accuse Government of complacency over benefits image
Image: William Barton / Shutterstock.com.

Landlords have accused the Government of complacency over tenants who cannot pay their housing costs.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is demanding that a freeze on housing benefits is lifted because it no longer reflects rents being paid.

It says tenants claiming the Local Housing Allowance now face a third year of their payments being frozen in cash terms yet the Government has failed to estimate how many people are affected.

The association says work and pensions minister Mims Davies made the admission in response to a parliamentary question.

Answering a question in the House of Commons Mr Davies said: ‘The Department does not hold this information, therefore no such estimate had been made.’

A recent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that rented households receiving the housing allowance will get an average of £50 a month less than if rates had risen in line with rents.

The association’s chief executive Ben Beadle said: ‘The NRLA is appalled at the Government’s complacent attitude.

‘Amidst a cost of living squeeze we need to do everything to support the sector and often vulnerable tenants in accessing the housing they need.

‘It beggars belief that ministers have frozen vital support for many renters with no idea how many will be unable to afford their housing as a result.

‘The Government should unfreeze housing benefit rates as a matter of urgency.’

A Government spokesperson said: 'We have protected the most vulnerable by increasing Local Housing Allowance beyond inflation and we are maintaining that boost – keeping support for private renters above pre-pandemic levels.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner