Shelter responds to the 2022 Spring Statement

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: "The Budget statement has left struggling renters out in the cold. Bills are skyrocketing and rents are higher than ever. Housing is at the root of the cost-of-living crisis, but the Chancellor hasn’t noticed. 

"Giving councils a bit more cash to help those struggling pay for eating and heating is something, but people still need somewhere to sleep if they can’t pay their rent. Housing benefit is still frozen at 2020 levels, even as rents have shot up, and discretionary housing support was slashed last week. 

"If we're going to prevent rising homelessness this year, housing benefit has to be fit for purpose. Long term, to insulate more people against cost-of-living shocks we need investment in social homes with affordable rents pegged to local incomes.” 

ENDS