It’s with great concern that the UK government’s underinvestment in Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is making rented accommodation unaffordable for many people.
Tackling the UK government’s welfare cuts which are causing housing insecurity and homelessness for too many, is crucial to ending homelessness.
It was appalling that the UK spending review contained no decisions on the local housing allowance or universal credit. Now no announcement can be made until the autumn, just months before the abhorrent benefits freeze is to be lifted.
Local housing allowance rates under the Tories have been frozen since 2015. We in the SNP raise this issue continually in the Chamber and through written questions, and will continue to do so until the UK government listens and makes the necessary changes that support those who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness.
The SNP is taking action where it can such as introducing the Ending Homelessness Action Plan and building 50% more affordable housing units per head of population than England. But we recognise, and will continue to press the UK government to increase welfare spending, including that on local housing allowance.
The SNP stands in stark contrast to the Tories in Westminster as we just announced a new £10 weekly child payment, helping to ensure everyone can be brought up in safe and happy homes.
