After coming into power in 2010, as part of its deficit
reduction programme the Coalition Government announced a package of welfare
reforms aimed at reducing public expenditure. Housing Benefit was targeted as a
key area for reform due to the increasing expenditure in this area (forecast to
be £23.5 billion in 2016-17 - around 11% of total welfare expenditure). This latest briefing paper details changes to
Housing Benefit announced since 2010, including the under-occupation penalty
("bedroom tax"), limiting Housing Benefit paid to private tenants via
changes to Local Housing Allowances and reducing social sector rents by 1% a
year for four years from 2016-17.
Download the briefing from the Parliament website.
