Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answers of 16 November 2016 to Questions 52327 and 52328, on housing benefit: social rented housing, whether his Department plans to consult on further exemptions to the shared accommodation rate.

The existing exemptions that already apply to private rented sector tenants will be extended into the social rented sector. Those living in supported accommodation will be exempt from the Shared Accommodation Rate from 2019/20.

Individuals who don’t fall within one of the exemptions may apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if they require more support, and we have already committed £870 million in overall DHP funding over the next five years.