Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2025 to Question 68072 on Housing Benefit: Supported Housing, what further discussions he has had with stakeholders on proposals to increase the Housing Benefit disregard for working single claimants from £5 to £57.

We acknowledge there is a challenge arising from the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, particularly for working age customers living in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation.

A wide range of customers currently receive rent support through Housing Benefit, including pensioners, residents in Supported Housing or Temporary Accommodation, and those who have not yet migrated to Universal Credit. Any amendment to the Housing Benefit taper would therefore apply across these groups.

Eradicating the financial cliff edge some individuals face as they incrementally increase their earnings could not be achieved by simply aligning the taper rates within the two benefits. Officials are undertaking further analysis to assess its impact on the various groups and will continue considering policy options with stakeholders.

It remains our priority to ensure that those who can work are supported to enter and sustain employment. Any future decisions on housing support will be made in the round, prioritising measures that best meet Government objectives within the current fiscal environment.