Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Rejected
Paragraph: 31
Consider adding Housing Benefit as a qualifying benefit for future cost of living payments.
Recommendation
We are concerned that support payments do not reach all low-income households in receipt of benefits as some households only receive housing benefit. The Government should consider adding Housing Benefit as a qualifying benefit for future cost of living support payments and set out the practicalities of doing so.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects adding Housing Benefit as a qualifying benefit, explaining it is not an income-replacement benefit and administrative complexities would prevent quick, accurate payment delivery, instead pointing to the Household Support Fund.
Paragraph Reference:
31
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Housing Benefit is intended to assist people who need help to pay their rent but it is not an income-replacement benefit. Housing Benefit is administered by local authorities and is sometimes paid directly to a landlord. Payments to those receiving only Housing Benefit could not therefore be delivered in a quick, accurate and straightforward manner. Many Housing Benefit claimants are eligible for the Cost of Living Payment through a separate, means-tested benefit entitlement. Independent, free and anonymous benefit calculators are available that can help individuals to see which benefits they may be entitled to Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) As mentioned above, the guidance for the current Household Support Fund in England asks local authorities to provide support with the cost of essentials to those most in need. It specifically mentions households in receipt of Housing Benefit only as an example of a group they could consider prioritising due to their ineligibility for other recent support.