The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has criticised the government for freezing housing benefit rates from next year.
In a written letter to parliament, dated 30th October, the secretary of state for work and pensions Liz Kendall confirmed the freeze.
She wrote: “Although not covered by my statutory review of state pension and benefit rates, I can also inform the House that local housing allowance rates for 2025/26 will be maintained at the 2024/25 levels, following their increase in April 2024…
“...And that the benefit cap has not been reviewed for 2025/26 and will also be maintained at the 2024/25 levels.”
In response, the NRLA has argued that freezing housing support rates means they will fail to keep pace with actual rent levels and exacerbate the financial strain on renters.
“It makes no sense whatsoever to provide support for housing costs that bear no resemblance to rents as they actually are,” said Chris Norris, policy director for NRLA.
“Coupled with tax hikes on the supply of homes to rent, announcements today will make it hardest of all for those claiming benefits to access and sustain tenancies in the rented sector.”
