Universal Credit Housing Element 2022-10-31
2022-10-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of local housing allowance rates for constituents to secure private rented accommodation.
If he will review the calculation of the housing element of universal credit. The challenge in a constituency such as mine in the south-east and inside the M25 is that, even when the Government are spending a substantial amount of money on housing support, the local housing allowance simply does not enable people to get into private rented accommodation.
My right hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on this issue. He will be aware, though, that it cannot be looked at in isolation and that we must look at the additional support available such as discretionary housing payments through the local authority—they are worth up to £1.5 billion overall across all local authorities—as well as the cost of living support package of £37 billion-plus and the household support fund, which again is administered by local authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Reviewing the calculation of the housing element in universal credit specifically
Must Look At It In Isolation
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns persist about the local housing allowance not allowing individuals to secure private rented accommodation despite significant government spending.
I congratulate the new ministerial team on their appointment. The challenge in a constituency such as mine in the south-east and inside the M25 is that, even when the Government are spending a substantial amount of money on housing support, the local housing allowance simply does not enable people to get into private rented accommodation. Will my hon. Friend and his colleagues look again at how local housing allowance is structured and allocated across the country to try to ensure that it works everywhere?
My right hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on this issue. He will be aware, though, that it cannot be looked at in isolation and that we must look at the additional support available such as discretionary housing payments through the local authority—they are worth up to £1.5 billion overall across all local authorities—as well as the cost of living support package of £37 billion-plus and the household support fund, which again is administered by local authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Reviewing how local housing allowance is structured and allocated across the country
Must Look At It In Isolation
Response accuracy