Crisis says housing benefit cuts will lead to serious hardship
23 June 2010
Changes to housing benefit outlined in the Budget have been greeted with concern by Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people.
Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "These cuts to housing benefit will lead to serious hardship and homelessness. Already housing benefit levels are inadequate, failing to cover the cost of renting for many people. Our clients tell us that they face problems meeting essential bills and get into debt because of these shortfalls.
"What makes the reductions in housing benefit even more disturbing is that they come at the same time as cuts to affordable housing budgets. With 4.5 million people already on housing waiting lists the pressure on the limited amount of accessible housing in the private rented sector will only get worse. Despite the government claiming that it will protect them, these budget measures will hit the poorest."
For further media information or to request an interview with Crisis spokespeople, please contact Alex Kennedy at Crisis, on 020 7426 3863 or
Ends
Notes to editors
Background on Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. Our innovative education, employment, housing and well-being services address individual needs and help people to transform their lives. We are determined campaigners, working to prevent people from becoming homeless and advocating solutions informed by research and our direct experience. We have ambitious plans for the future and are committed to help more people in more places across the UK. We know we won't end homelessness overnight or on our own. But we take a lead, collaborate with others and, together, make change happen.
