Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 3 June 2013.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the potential for evictions was taken into account in the formulation of the housing benefit under-occupancy penalty.
The Government do not accept that evictions and homelessness will increase as a result of this measure. In addition, the changes do not necessarily mean that people will need to move, but claimants who live in homes that are larger than they require must make the same choices about affordability as those not on benefit.
When formulating this policy, the Department for Work and Pensions held discussions with both the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Chartered Institute of Housing. DCLG continues to work with the National Homelessness Advice Service to ensure front-line advice workers have the support they need to tackle homelessness effectively. Protections for people at risk of homelessness continue to remain in place through the statutory homelessness duties on local authorities.
Reforming the welfare system in an effective manner is necessary to not only improve the wider fiscal position but also to help get people off benefits and into work, although it is recognised that the transition for some may be difficult.
At this current time, how claimants will react is not known. Some may decide to move into work, some may move to smaller accommodation, increase working hours or take in a lodger. It is for individual claimants to determine what the best approach is for them. The measure will, however, be evaluated and monitored over the next two years with an initial report due in 2014 and the final report due in 2015.
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