Housing Starts And Completions Still Below Pre-Recession Levels

A briefing note for MPs prepared from government statistics shows that housing starts and completions have increased from the lows observed in late 2008 and early 2009 but remain below the levels they were at before the recession of a decade ago. Citing figures from the MHCLG, the briefing note prepared by the House of Commons library says there were 36,630 house building starts in England in the first quarter of this year - the most recent data available. This was a nine per cent decrease compared with the previous quarter, and also a nine per cent decrease compared with the same quarter of 2018. Read more on Letting Agent Today.

https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2019/8/housing-starts-and-completions-still-below-pre-recession-levels

Housing Costs In Universal Credit

This Commons Library briefing paper explains the key differences between assistance with housing costs under the Housing Benefit regime and under Universal Credit. The paper considers evidence of the impact of claiming housing costs under UC to date and the Government response. Download the briefing note from the Parliament website.

Changes To Housing Benefit Since 2010

After coming into power in 2010, as part of its deficit reduction programme the Coalition Government announced a package of welfare reforms aimed at reducing public expenditure. Housing Benefit was targeted as a key area for reform due to the increasing expenditure in this area (forecast to be £23.5 billion in 2016-17 - around 11% of total welfare expenditure).  This latest briefing paper details changes to Housing Benefit announced since 2010, including the under-occupation penalty ("bedroom tax"), limiting Housing Benefit paid to private tenants via changes to Local Housing Allowances and reducing social sector rents by 1% a year for four years from 2016-17.

Download the briefing from the Parliament website.

Can Private Landlords Refuse To Let To Housing Benefit Claimants?

It is not unusual for private landlords to advertise properties to let stating that they will not accept applications from Housing Benefit claimants. This raises the question of whether such restrictions amount to unlawful discrimination. In fact private landlords are free to refuse to let to Housing Benefit claimants, just as they are free to refuse to let to applicants who are not in receipt of benefit but who have a poor credit history.  The House of Commons has issued a briefing paper explaining why. Download from the Parliament website.

Impact Of The Under-Occupation Deduction From Housing Benefit

This House of Commons Briefing Paper summarises some key findings arising from research into the impact of the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit (also referred to as the 'Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy' or 'bedroom tax'). This paper considers the findings of the DWP’s evaluation and other research into the impact of the under-occupation deduction. Download the Briefing Paper from the Parliament website.

Extending the Right to Buy (England)

This briefing explains the Government's proposal to extend the Right to Buy to assured tenants of housing associations. The measure, which is proving to be controversial, requires primary legislation and will be included in a forthcoming Housing Bill. Download the Commons Briefing Paper from the Parliament website.