IDS Warned Of Social Housing Evictions Risk

A lower benefit cap combined with the introduction of direct rent payments under universal credit could lead to a rise in evictions from social housing, Iain Duncan Smith was warned in the House of Commons yesterday. Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, asked the Work and Pensions Secretary whether he was aware of the problem and what consultation his department had carried out. Betts told MPs: "When universal credit is introduced, if the family also gets a welfare cap, it is the housing cost element that is squeezed by the cap. No longer will the amount of universal credit be paid directly to the social landlord to cover the rent. Can the Secretary of State not see that that could lead to a rise in evictions? Is he aware of the problem, and what will he do about it?” Read more on 24dash.