NHF Campaigns Against Housing Benefit Cap Threat

Thousands of vulnerable people living in supported housing in the North of England are at risk of losing their homes because of a proposed cap on Housing Benefit that will leave them short on their rent. Rents are typically higher for such homes compared to general needs properties because of the specialist support that is provided for residents, but the Government proposes to limit the amount of Housing Benefit social tenants can claim to bring it in line with the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) paid to tenants in the private sector. In Yorkshire and Humber, there are more than 34,000 living in this type of housing, more than half of whom are older people. The estimated £68 a week shortfall in Housing Benefit would mean that vulnerable residents need to find an extra £3,500 a year to cover their rent. Read more on the Housing Excellence website.