Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and
Pensions how the potential for evictions was taken into account in the
formulation of the housing benefit under-occupancy penalty.
Steve Webb: The Government does not accept that evictions
and homelessness will increase as a result of this measure. In addition, the
changes do not necessarily mean that people will need to move, but claimants
who live in homes that are larger than they require must make the same choices
about affordability as those not on benefit.
When formulating this policy, the DWP held discussions with both the CLG
and the CIH. CLG continue to work with the National Homelessness Advice Service
to ensure front-line advice workers have the support they need to tackle
homelessness effectively. Protections for people at risk of homelessness
continue to remain in place through the statutory homelessness duties on local
authorities.
Read more on the Parliament website.
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