Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will provide local authorities with updated guidance on awarding discretionary housing payments for care leavers until the shared accommodation rate exemption comes into force in 2023.
The Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) scheme is administered by Local Authorities (LAs) who have full discretion as to whether a claimant will receive a monetary award and set their own list of priorities.
In order to support LAs to manage the allocation and administration of DHP awards, DWP produces a detailed guidance manual for LAs in England and Wales. The manual also includes a good practice guide, which offers both advice and examples of good practice in supporting vulnerable people. This manual already recommends LAs support care leavers.