Briefing: Local Housing Allowance and Homelessness

Shelter is the UK’s largest housing and homelessness charity. Last year we gave information, support and advice to millions of people experiencing bad housing and homelessness. We support people who have experienced multiple problems with housing benefit for private rents. They are regularly being forced to make up shortfalls, where their housing benefit (or Local Housing Allowance) does not cover their private rents.

Shelter research shows that in 97% of areas in England, people will experience a shortfall between their rent and Local Housing Allowance for a 2-bedroom home rented at the 30th percentile.

Local Housing Allowance is no longer fit for purpose, the rates must be raised to reflect the true cost of renting. This is having a direct impact upon homelessness.