Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Benefits Recipients: Supported and Exempted Housing

Monday 25 January 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial assessment has not been made on the effectiveness of the "more than minimal" test for care, support and supervision in housing benefit.
  • The Department for Work and Pensions is reviewing guidance for local authorities to improve consistency in decision making.
  • Work is underway to address concerns about the supported housing sector, with a session scheduled for 24 February for MPs and peers to raise issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Benefits & Welfare Local Government
Context

There is no specific event mentioned but the question revolves around concerns regarding the adequacy of support in housing benefit cases.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Government's definition of care, support and supervision for benefits recipients in (a) supported and (b) exempted housing. Local authorities apply the “more than minimal” test as part of the process for determining housing benefit for supported accommodation.

Answer from Will Quince

No assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the “more than minimal” test for care, support and supervision in housing benefit; however, we are reviewing the guidance for local authorities to help improve consistency in decision making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The effectiveness of the 'more than minimal' test was not assessed, only that a review is underway to improve consistency.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Social Care Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns about exploitation in the supported housing sector by landlords who charge high rents for minimal support.

Question

The Minister and I have talked about this, so he will know that I have real concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable people in the supported housing sector by landlords who know they can charge much higher rents by providing only “more than minimal” support. Will the Minister look at the regulations to see whether they can be tightened up? Pilots are ongoing and consideration is being given to regulating supported housing.

Answer from Will Quince

Work is under way in this policy area. The DWP Minister in the Lords remains responsible for the policy; she offers sessions where MPs and peers can raise concerns, inviting the hon. Lady to a session on 24 February. We recognise there are problem areas but highlight that most supported housing is well-run by registered social landlords.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct commitment to review regulations was given; only an invitation to raise concerns in a future meeting.

How: Under Consideration, Offers Sessions

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