Laura Sharman 10 October 2019

Public call for more investment in housing benefit

Three quarters of the public believe that housing benefit should increase in line with rents, according to a new poll published to mark World Homeless Day.

The survey, conducted by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, found 76% of people think that housing benefit is a practical way for the Government to stop people experiencing homelessness in the first place.

Research published this week revealed 94% of homes are unaffordable to local housing allowance claimants, with some towns only having one affordable property available.

The charities are calling on the Government to increase spending on housing benefit so people can afford the cheapest third of local rents.

The call is backed by London Councils, who previously found only between 0-15% of private sector rents across the capital were affordable on LHA rates.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils’ executive member for welfare, empowerment and inclusion, said: 'The LHA freeze is a counterproductive policy that is driving up homelessness rates in the capital.

'This research shows significant public support for boosting housing benefit. The public understand the importance of tackling homelessness – and that increased investment in housing benefit will pay dividends through reducing homelessness and its associated costs.'

Today is World Homeless Day - for all the latest news and analysis of this issue please visit www.localgov.co.uk/Homelessness

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Transformation and Change

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Business Growth and Innovation

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Director of Transport

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£100,088 – £110,736
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Portable Antiquities Scheme Intern

Oxfordshire County Council
£24790 - £24790
About Us This is an exciting time to join the Oxfordshire Museum Service as we continue to develop service structure, and enhance access to our collections and services. Our collection totals 112,000 objects from the palaeolithic era to contemporary coll Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Desktop Support Engineer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34203 - £37067
As a Desktop Support Engineer, you’ll be a key part of our frontline IT support team, ensuring that staff across the council have the tools and assistance they need to work efficiently and effectively. Your work will directly support vital public servic One Angel Square
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner