Terms Of Reference Set For Benefit Review

The government has set out the terms of reference for an independent review of housing benefit cuts. In a response to a report from MPs on the impact of the cuts to the benefit, which begin in April, the Department for Work and Pensions said the review would examine the impact on minority groups, families, landlords, homelessness, Greater London and rural communities.
The department commissioned the review after members of the work and pensions select committee and peers called for a proper evaluation of the effect of the cuts. It will consider the effects on family life, particularly if a drop in housing benefit means children will have to leave their schools. The DWP response argues that claims homelessness will rise are ‘exaggerated’. It says caps to the local housing allowance still ‘provide a generous level of support’ for tenants. Read more on Inside Housing.