Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Welfare Update

13 January 2020 · Department for Work and Pensions

Proposed by Will Quince Con Colchester

Benefits & WelfareHousing

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Local Housing Allowance rates for those receiving housing support in the Private Rented Sector will increase in line with CPI from April 2020.
  • Rent Officers Orders and corresponding provision for Northern Ireland will be laid in the House on the same day as the statement.
  • An additional 40 million in Discretionary Housing Payments for 2020/21 is announced.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the increase in Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for those receiving housing support in the Private Rented Sector.

Action requested

From April 2020, LHA rates will be increased in line with CPI, ending a previous freeze. Rent Officers Orders and corresponding provision for Northern Ireland will be laid in the House later that day. An additional £40 million in Discretionary Housing Payments for 2020/21 is also announced.

Key facts

  • LHA rates to increase in line with CPI from April 2020.
  • Rent Officers Orders and corresponding provision for Northern Ireland will be laid later that day.
  • Additional £40 million in Discretionary Housing Payments for 2020/21 announced.
  • Average monthly benefit increase of around £10 per month for people in receipt of housing support.
  • Government spends around £95 billion a year on working age benefits, including £23 billion for housing costs.
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