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Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Local Housing Allowance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of freezing Local Housing Allowance rates in 2026–2027 on low-income renters; and when he plans to review Local Housing Allowance rates.

Answer

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are annually reviewed at Autumn Budget.

In his Written Statement following Autumn Budget, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions confirmed that LHA rates will remain at current levels in 2026/27 (HCWS1101). A range of factors were considered, including rental levels across Great Britain, the challenging fiscal context, and the impact of current levels of housing support.

To support our commitment to reduce child poverty, we prioritised removing the two-child limit which will bring 450,000 children out of poverty.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available from local authorities for low-income renters who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. From April 2026 DHPs for England will be incorporated into the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
103909
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Low incomes Local housing allowance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk