Mark Whitehead 08 February 2016

Warning over 'catastrophic' impact of housing benefit cuts

Women escaping domestic violence would be among those hit hardest by plans to cut housing benefit, the Scottish government has warned.

Social justice secretary Alex Neil said the UK government’s proposals to cut housing benefit will have a 'catastrophic' impact on people who depend on such support for their survival.

He called for 'urgent clarification' of the proposal to restrict housing benefit for tenants which he said could result in the closure of supported and refuge accommodation across the country.

The proposals, outlined in the UK government’s spending review last year, would set the housing element of benefit claims to Local Housing Allowance levels far lower than what is needed to cover rent and service charges in refuges.

Mr Neil said: 'This proposal is essentially a cap to the amount of housing benefit housing social and council tenants will receive, and, what’s still not clear is how far this cap will go when it comes to the most vulnerable living in refuge accommodation.

'This includes women and children fleeing domestic violence, disabled people and those affected by homelessness.'

He added: 'This move will have a catastrophic impact on those people who depend on such support for survival.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner