To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department has taken recent steps to help prevent private landlords from discriminating against people who claim (a) Universal Credit and (b) other benefits.

Everyone deserves to have access to secure, safe and affordable housing. Whilst the vast majority of landlords are decent and responsible owners who provide a professional service, blanket bans against those in receipt of benefits have no place in a fair and modern housing market.

The White Paper 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector', published in June 2022, provides further information on the most recent Government announcements in this policy area. A fair deal for renters remains a priority, and I am currently reviewing next steps following the publication of the White Paper and will update Parliament in due course.