NHF pushes minister for cut exemption

The government is proposing to restrict housing benefit for social tenants in line with the Local Housing Allowance rate used for private tenants. Sector figures have warned this could have a severe impact on the viability of more costly specialist schemes, such as housing for the elderly, disabled and for victims of domestic violence.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) and several landlords yesterday met Marcus Jones, junior local government minister, and civil servants to press the case. Decisions about welfare policy, including the cap, comes under the remit of the Department for Work and Pensions, however, DCLG is responsible for housing and housebuilding, which would be affected.

The NHF wants the cap only to apply to working-age tenants in general needs housing.

David Orr, chief executive of the NHF, said: “Government ministers and civil servants now understand the serious impact these policies could have unless an urgent solution is found.”

“Housing associations gave examples of schemes that will not be built or will be closed as a result of these changes and the groups of people who rely on these services, including frail and elderly, disabled people, and victims of domestic violence.

“This is also likely to cost the government, even over the short-term, and will have a knock-on impact on other services, such as health and social care.”

An Inside Housing survey of 82 providers, published today, reveals 95% will wind up specialist housing schemes as a result of the change, which comes into effect in April 2018.

Meanwhile, Labour will call a parliamentary debate on the impact the planned benefit cut on supported housing.

The opposition party will today call a half-day opposition debate to take place next Wednesday.