Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Afzal Khan (Labour) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 16 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Local Housing Allowance: Manchester Rusholme

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Local Housing Allowance rates for retired people in Manchester Rusholme constituency.

Answer

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) at the 2025 Autumn Budget, and a decision was taken that rates would be maintained at their 2024 levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, such as rent levels across the country and poverty impacts, were considered against the fiscal context and the level of housing support that Government provides overall. We continue to consider stakeholder analysis, including the recent briefing by Trussell, and monitor and assess the impacts of rent increases on households receiving LHA. This includes consideration of households in work and those who are retired.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviews LHA rates annually and future decisions will be based on government priorities, taking account of the challenging fiscal environment.

People facing a shortfall in meeting their housing costs can apply to their local authority for discretionary support, including a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment if in England, or a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if in Wales or Scotland.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
32064
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Pensioners Local housing allowance Manchester Rusholme
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk