Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Housing Benefit Supported Exempt Accommodation 2020-11-30

2020-11-30

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Shabana Mahmood Lab
Birmingham Ladywood
▸ Context
No specific assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal test used to determine housing benefit payments in supported accommodation. Shabana Mahmood is concerned about inconsistencies and potential misuse by providers.
What recent assessment have you made of the effectiveness of the more than minimal test for determining housing benefit payments for supported exempt accommodation?
Will Quince
No assessment has been made, but we are reviewing guidance to help improve consistency in decision making for supported exempt accommodation housing benefit payments.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The effectiveness of the more than minimal test was not evaluated.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Shabana Mahmood Lab
Birmingham Ladywood
▸ Context
The annual housing benefit bill in Birmingham for supported exempt accommodation is £200 million. Many providers exploit weak regulations, causing misery for vulnerable tenants.
The annual housing benefit bill in Birmingham for supported exempt accommodation is now a massive £200 million. Too many housing providers are exploiting the extremely weak regulations that govern the payment of enhanced housing benefit; all they have to do is show that the support they provide is more than minimal, and this is causing misery for vulnerable tenants and the communities they live in. So will the Minister meet me to discuss the situation in Birmingham, and will he bring forward urgent proposals to change the situation and get a grip of this growing national scandal?
Will Quince
Although we recognise there are problem areas, it is worth noting that the majority of supported housing is provided by well-run registered social landlords. These providers are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing or the Charity Commission as applicable. However, I do recognise a problem exists and am willing to meet the hon. Lady.
▸ Assessment & feedback
No immediate proposals were brought forward.
Recognise Problem Areas
Response accuracy