Homelessness: Housing Benefit

Debate between Lord Watts and Lord Henley

Thursday 9th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, not one of the individuals on jobseeker’s allowance to whom the noble Baroness referred will be affected. As I made clear in my Answer, this matter relates to those on universal credit. As we also made clear in another place, and I will make clear now, there is a considerable number of exemptions. I think that some 25 are listed in the regulations—I can go through them if the noble Baroness wishes me to do so—which offer protection for those who need it.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

My Lords, given the massive increase that we have seen in the number of young homeless people on our streets, how will this policy help that situation?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, this policy will help that situation by encouraging young people to stay at home with their families rather than establishing themselves in a life on benefit. As we made clear, for those who need help, protections are in place. It is the noble Lord and those who wish to get rid of measures such as this who would condemn individuals to a life on benefit and cause far greater problems than we are addressing with this measure.