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

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner