Landlords Urge Osborne to Axe Further Welfare Cuts

Housing associations have urged the chancellor not to announce further welfare cuts when he delivers his autumn statement next month. In a submission issued ahead of the 5 December announcement, umbrella body the National Housing Federation calls on George Osborne to reject further welfare cuts and ensure a ‘common-sense approach’ is taken with existing reforms due to come in next year.  It argues benefits must keep pace with rising living costs once the universal credit is introduced, and mechanisms should be put in place to ensure landlords do not see an increase in arrears as a result of direct payment. In the five-point submission the NHF also urges the chancellor to clarify long-term plans for social rents so housing associations can plan to build homes after 2015. Read more on the NHF website.