Housing Benefit: Withdrawing Entitlement From the Under 25s

In his speech on welfare given at Bluewater, Kent on 25 June 2012, the Prime Minister presented a number of ideas for future benefit reforms. The proposals for consideration included removing access to Housing Benefit for people aged 16-24. The Chancellor made reference to the need to find an additional £10bn in savings from the welfare bill during his speech to the Conservative Party Conference 2012 – he went on to question whether young people who have never worked should have access to independent housing. This Commons Library Standard Note considers the status of this proposal, evidence on its potential impact, and provides early comment from housing organisations and those working with young homeless people. Download the note from the Parliament website.

Housing Benefit: Young People – Parliamentary Written Answer

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people under 25 years of age who will be affected by the withdrawal of housing benefit in each Parliamentary constituency.

Steve Webb: Current Government policy does not include withdrawing housing support from people aged under 25.

Housing Benefit: Young People – Parliamentary Written Answer

Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his policy is on the removal of housing benefit for those under 25 years of age.

Steve Webb: Those under 25 years of age are subject to the same housing benefit qualifying conditions as those aged 25 and over. There are currently no plans to change this policy but, like all aspect of the welfare system, this remains under review.