Crisis responds to rise in housing benefit rates

Today, the Government has announced that housing benefit payments will rise in line with inflation from April 2020. 

Responding to the announcement Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at Crisis said: “In our society everyone should be able to rent a safe, affordable home where they can thrive. So it’s extremely disappointing to see the Government’s decision to raise housing benefit in line with inflation, following years of cuts, is just a drop in the ocean to what we know families need.  

“Right now across the country, people are battling to keep their head above water by going without food or missing a crucial bill payment just to be able to pay their rent. No one should be forced to live like this, especially when we know we have the means to fix it. Our research shows that by investing in housing benefit, so it covers the true cost of rents, the Government could lift more than 35,000 children out of poverty.

“Ultimately, making sure that everyone has a safe and secure home benefits us all. This is a missed opportunity for the Government to put their money where their mouth is and provide struggling families with a life line. It’s vital that the Government restores housing benefit to cover the cheapest third of rents.”