DWP Defends Benefit Reforms in Court

The Department for Work and Pensions has vigorously defended its housing benefit reforms at the High Court. CPAG have claimed in court (see story immediately below this one) that the secretary of state for Work and Pensions had acted outside the powers of the Housing Act 1996 by setting caps that do not take into account local availability of accommodation. It says the policy will increase homelessness in high rental areas, contrary to the aim of the scheme. But the DWP have argued that there is no requirement in the legislation that housing benefit should enable claimants to live in any area they choose, regardless of the implications for public policy and public finances. The DWP’s submission to the court said even if it had found the reforms would have a disproportionate effect on ethnic minority households it would still have proceeded with them. It said: ‘The secretary of state would have proceeded to implement the proposed measures in light of the strong socio-economic imperatives.’ A decision in the case is expected in early August. Read more on Inside Housing.