Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans she has to (a) make housing benefit available to applicants immediately and (b) increase awards to cover median local rents.

Housing Benefit is only available to those of pension age or those living in temporary or supported accommodation. We are not looking to extend eligibility criteria beyond these groups. However, housing cost support is available through Universal Credit, for those of working age, from the point of claim and advances up to 100% of a claimant’s eligibility are available immediately.