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Written question asked by Gill Furniss (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 2021 (named day). It was answered by Will Quince (Conservative) on Monday, 24 May 2021 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she made of the potential merits of suspending the under-occupancy charge during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answer

No assessment has been made.

The policy already allows for the provision of an additional bedroom in certain circumstances, such as to support the needs of disabled people, as well as exempting households in receipt of pension age Housing Benefit.

If a claimant’s ability to mitigate any shortfall between their housing support and rent has changed as a result of Covid-19, Discretionary Housing Payments can be considered by their local authority. We have allocated a further £140 million for Discretionary Housing Payments for 2021/22 in England and Wales.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3980
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Housing benefit Social rented housing Housing occupancy Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk