Written question asked by Neil Coyle (Labour) on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 22 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Temporary Accommodation: Housing Benefit

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze in Housing Benefit subsidy rates for temporary accommodation since January 2011 on local authority finances in London; and if he will take steps to uprate subsidy levels to reflect current housing costs.

Answer

DWP pays local authorities a Housing Benefit subsidy for temporary accommodation cases, but this is subject to limits to incentivise local authorities to find settled accommodation for residents and to ensure good value for money for the taxpayer.

The rules governing Housing Benefit subsidy for temporary accommodation apply across Great Britain, including London. We recognise that local authorities are subject to a range of funding pressures and keep the subsidy arrangements under review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1202
Session: 2026-27
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Housing benefit Finance Greater London Local government Temporary accommodation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Temporary Accommodation: Housing Benefit

Secondary information

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