News article
Crisis wins concession to ‘pernicious’ housing benefit cut
19 July 2011 | Topics: none
Crisis has welcomed an exemption in regulations which have been laid before Parliament this evening that will protect some previously homeless people from a housing benefit cut. However, tens of thousands of 25-34 year-olds still face a dramatic cut in housing benefit which could leave them facing homelessness due to lack of shared accommodation.
Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "We are very disappointed that the Coalition has forged ahead with this pernicious cut in the face of mounting evidence that there is simply not enough shared accommodation available and with no indication of where the tens of thousands of people affected are meant to live.
"We are pleased that the Government has recognised our concerns that shared accommodation is completely inappropriate for formerly homeless people. It is baffling however, that they cant see that the same is true for other vulnerable groups such as those with disabilities or mental health problems, those fleeing domestic violence or parents who need to have their children to stay."
Research by Crisis and the University of York both warned that there will not be enough shared accommodation available now that the Government has extended a lower rate of housing benefit, the Shared Accommodation Rate, to people aged up to 35. Currently 25-34 year-olds can claim housing benefit based on the cost of renting a one-bedroom flat. Under changes proposed by the Coalition, from 2012 they will only be able to claim enough for a room in a shared house.
none
