Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 23 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Local Housing Allowance: Private Rented Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of levels of Local Housing Allowance rates on households in the private rented sector following the removal of the two-child limit; and whether he has plans to review LHA levels, in the context of recent trends in the cost of renting.

Answer

The Secretary of State reviews LHA rates annually and rates were reviewed in November at Autumn Budget. A decision was made to maintain LHA rates at their current 2024/25 levels for 2026/27.

A range of factors were considered, including rent levels across Great Britain, the wider fiscal context and welfare priorities. This included the decision to remove the two child limit, which will lift 450k children out of poverty.

Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Discretionary Housing Payments 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
106250
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Children Private rented housing Local housing allowance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk