Housing Benefit: Foster Carers – Parliamentary Written Answer

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect on foster carers of changes to housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.

Esther McVey: The introduction of the social sector size criteria in April will affect around 5,000 foster carers. It is vital that this group are adequately protected.  An additional £5 million of discretionary housing payments has been allocated to those affected, and we are revising guidance for local authorities to ensure foster carers have ready access to this funding.