Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will (a) lower the Housing Benefit taper rate and (b) increase the applicable amount to help young homeless people into work.

People in receipt of Housing Benefit are always better off in work than someone wholly reliant on benefits. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.

The Department acknowledges the challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those residing in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation and will consider the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.