Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she has taken to consult with local authorities on the potential impact of the decision to not uprate Local Housing Allowance since 2024 on the ability of local authorities to relieve homelessness.

Poverty, housing availability and affordability are the root causes of homelessness and rough sleeping. The National Plan to End Homelessness acknowledges that many people on low incomes struggle to afford rising rents in the private rental market and recognises some private renters need support with their rent.

The Department of Work and Pensions Secretary of State reviews Local Housing Allowance rates annually. For those who require further financial support with housing costs, Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) Housing Payments in England and Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) in Scotland and Wales may be available from local authorities.

My Department regularly speaks to local authorities to understand homelessness pressures, including as a result of Local Housing Allowance rates.