Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Sherlock (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 14 January 2016.

Social Housing Sector

Question: My Lords, the other issue that is probably concerning the sector is that the Welfare Reform and Work Bill is forcing all housing associations to cut their rents by 12% over this Parliament—money that will almost all go directly to the Treasury. It is a double whammy. I spoke this morning to the head of Depaul UK, a small charity that houses 700 young homeless people in the north-east and around the country, dealing with kids who have come out of prison or have escaped abuse and exploitation. It has already absorbed cuts of 30%. If this policy goes through, the support workers who teach the young people how to live, cook, pay the rent and go to work and get them ready for independent living simply cannot be paid for. If this goes ahead, Depaul will pull out of hostel provision altogether. Is that what the Government want?

Answer: As my noble friend Lady Williams made clear on Monday night, this area is under active consideration within the timetable of the Bill.

Secondary information