Housing Solicitors

Welsh Assembly (WA) Communities Minister Lesley Griffiths has called on the UK Government to protect vulnerable tenants in supported housing from planned changes to Housing Benefit.

The UK Government has announced it will be capping Housing Benefit for people living within the social rental sector at the same level as for those living in the private rental sector.

Supported housing is likely to house vulnerable tenants, including older people, those with disabilities, previously homeless people – and those suffering from substance misuse problems.

The Welsh Government says that the supported housing sector typically has higher rents than those charged in the private sector because of the necessary services provided, including personal care, support or supervision.

WA added that the failure to exempt supported housing from the changes to Housing Benefit would mean many vulnerable people would be unable to pay their rent, putting them at risk of becoming homeless and threatening their health and wellbeing.

The changes to Housing Benefit would also affect the financial viability of the supported housing sector as a whole, said WA – with providers already concerned they may be forced to close existing schemes and reconsider new schemes.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, has written to the UK Government Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, urging him to exempt supported housing from the changes to Housing Benefit.

Ms Griffiths said:

“Supported housing plays a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“The sector provides far more than simply accommodation – it offers a whole range of support, from 24-hour emergency response services for older people, to therapy for people suffering from mental health problems.

“This level of support means rents are typically higher than in the public sector.

“To punish vulnerable tenants for the services they need to live independently would be unjust and counterproductive.

“I understand the policy is still being formulated – and with this in mind, I have written to Lord Freud to urge him to exempt supported housing from the proposed changes.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise tenants in the public rental sector and private rental sector on a wide range of housing law, including legal advice on Housing Benefit and housing possession, as well as Local Authority housing issues, disrepair of rented property, Landlord & Tenant disputes and unlawful eviction.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert legal advice on UK housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.