Housing Benefit – Parliamentary Written Answer

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to Regulation 12D(5) and (7) of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006, for what reasons the 13 weeks protection rule is not being replicated under universal credit; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: This provision in housing benefit, introduced in 1986, allows a more generous level of support for people who have not claimed in the preceding 12 months and who could afford their rent when they took on the commitment. It was designed to provide protection for people on higher incomes who lose their jobs, allowing them a buffer period before their rent support is reduced to the local housing allowance level. We do not believe that this differential level of support should be carried forward into universal credit. It would be incompatible with universal credit design principles, and would add complexity and administrative costs to the calculation process.