Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of Local Housing Allowance on a) poverty b) homelessness among Universal Credit claimants in Dewsbury and Batley.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. Factors like rent levels and poverty at a national level were considered against the fiscal context and the level of housing support that Government provides overall. Data is not available at the requested level, so we are unable to provide estimates on this basis.

The causes of homelessness are multi-faceted and often complex and they interact dynamically. DWP continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness are considered.

Renters facing a shortfall in meeting their housing costs can apply for discretionary support from local authorities.