Shared Housing – Parliamentary Written Answer

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has any plans to exempt from the shared accommodation rate those individuals at risk of serious harm or injury as a result of gang-related youth violence

Steve Webb: The shared accommodation rate was extended to include those aged 25 up to 35 from January 2012. There are no plans to make any further exemptions for those individuals who may be at risk as a result of gang-related youth violence. However, the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme is available to address the individual circumstances of claims where local authorities may consider further support is needed.