MPs have called for the introduction of an ‘uprating guarantee’ to uprate working-age benefits and the Local Housing Allowance rate on an annual basis.
A report from the Work and Pensions Committee also recommended that the Household Support Fund be made a permanent part of the social security system.
An ‘uprating guarantee’ would help overcome ‘the fundamental inadequacy of social security support’, according to the committee.
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: ‘We have heard plenty of evidence that benefits are currently at a level that leaves many unable to afford daily essentials or meet the unavoidable extra costs associated with having a health impairment or disability.’
Commenting on the report, Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Economy and Resources Board, said: ‘We have long called for Local Housing Allowance to be increased annually in line with rents and for the national benefits system to cover households’ essential living costs. This would allow councils to target local welfare support to households with the most complex needs.
‘While it’s good the Household Support Fund was recently extended, councils now want to work with Government to deliver a sustainable, long-term solution to support households out of poverty and improve residents’ financial resilience and wellbeing.’
