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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Thursday, 25 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Supported Housing: Rents

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to tackle rent inflation in exempt accommodation schemes.

Answer

To improve value for money and the quality of support provided in supported housing, the government is introducing a council-led licensing scheme next year. We will shortly be consulting on draft regulations.

It is the responsibility of the local authority to assess Housing Benefit claims and determine the eligible rent and service charges that can be met through Housing Benefit. The rules around the scrutiny of claims, including claims from residents living in exempt accommodation, are set out in regulation and guidance.

The regulations for exempt accommodation allow local authorities to restrict the amount of Housing Benefit to the level of suitable alternative accommodation if they think the rent is considered unreasonably high or the accommodation is too large for the residents’ needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8570
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Supported housing Rents
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk