Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 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, when he last assessed the impact of the removal of the spare room subsidy on a) carers, b) disabled people and c) tenants with long-term health conditions; and whether he plans to bring forward proposals to reform the policy.

Answer

We continue to keep all policies under review, considering them against a range of factors, including the wider fiscal situation and government priorities.

The Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy, applies to working-age claims for housing support, either Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, where the claimant is living in the social rented sector in a property that has more bedrooms than their benefit entitlement.

Easements are available which allow an additional bedroom to support disabled people and carers, the families of disabled children, foster carers, parents who adopt, parents of service personnel and people who have suffered a bereavement.

People facing difficulty in meeting their housing costs can apply to their local authority for discretionary support.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12553
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disability Carers Chronic illnesses Housing benefit Reform Social rented housing
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk