Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the roll-out of universal credit on the availability of private rented accommodation for households in receipt of the housing element of that benefit.

Universal Credit provides housing support to working-age claimants broadly in line with the previous Housing Benefit support. In December, 44% of households claiming housing support under Universal Credit were in the Private Rental Sector. We continue to engage with stakeholders in the Private Rental Sector to assess the effect of Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is already significantly improving the rate at which those claiming benefits return to work. Being in employment improves the housing choices of those who would otherwise have remained dependent on benefits.