To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Local Housing Allowance for people living in York in the context of recent trends in the level of rental costs.

The department works closely with stakeholders, jobcentres, and local authorities to understand the impact of its policies.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) policy is reviewed annually by the Secretary of State. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of this review.

In 2021/22 the Government spent almost £30 billion to support renters in both the private and social rented sector. This is forecast to rise to £31 billion in 2023/24.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates were boosted by almost £1 billion in 2020, this significant investment has been kept annually to maintain rates at 2020 levels. LHA rates are not intended to cover all rents in all areas.

For those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs and need further support. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available from local authorities. Since 2011 the Government has provided nearly £1.7 billion in DHP funding to local authorities.

Overall, the Government is providing total support of over £94 billion over 2022/23 and 2023/24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of living.