Universal Credit Alert Briefing

Shelter has analysed the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, to February 2021. The new figures show that the number of households claiming housing support has continued to rise and now stands at almost 5,000,000.

Private renters have been the most dramatically affected in the pandemic - 45% of private renting households in England now claim housing support. However, the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) which determines how much support households receive was frozen in the recent Budget. With rents rising, this leaves many renters with a gap between what they are entitled to and the cost of a modest home.

An urgent review of housing benefit levels is required.