Asked by: Steven Bonnar (Scottish National Party - Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what help he is taking to support renters.
Answered by Rachel Maclean
This Government is committed to delivering the Renters (Reform) Bill which will deliver the government's commitment to a better deal for renters.
The government recognises the cost-of-living pressures that tenants are facing, and that paying rent is likely to be a tenant's biggest monthly expense. Individuals who need help to make their rent payments may be eligible for a range of financial support through the welfare system. We have maintained the Local Housing Allowance at its increased rate following a significant investment of almost £1 billion in 2020.
For those most in need, Discretionary Housing Payments are available to help meet a shortfall in housing costs and the Household Support Fund has been extended to help with the cost of essentials. Further decisive action has been taken to support households across the UK through cost-of-living challenges, and the government will continue to provide cost of living support in 2023-24, designed to target the most vulnerable households.
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal discussions are not normally disclosed.