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Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 27 Nov 2025
Budget Resolutions

"It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for North Cotswolds (Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), and a great pleasure to speak in this Budget debate. I direct Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.

This is the second of what will be many Labour Budgets that …..."
Steve Race - View Speech

View all Steve Race (Lab - Exeter) contributions to the debate on: Budget Resolutions
Written Question
Housing Benefit: Supported Housing
Tuesday 22nd July 2025

Asked by: Steve Race (Labour - Exeter)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of increasing the Housing Benefits disregard from £5 to £57 for people in supported housing.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those living in Supported and Temporary Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.

Despite this challenge, the Housing Benefit taper ensures a person is better off in work than wholly reliant on benefits. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence, as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.

Written Question
Housing Benefit
Tuesday 22nd July 2025

Asked by: Steve Race (Labour - Exeter)

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of aligning the Housing Benefit taper rate with that of Universal Credit.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department acknowledges there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those living in Supported and Temporary Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit. The department is considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.

Despite this challenge, the Housing Benefit taper ensures a person is better off in work than wholly reliant on benefits. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence, as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.