Local Housing Allowance Far Short of Rental Costs
Campaigning charities claim that the Local Housing Allowance is far short of rental costs, citing new government data.
The Independent Age charity reports that a record number of older people in England are facing homelessness, with 15,650 older households at risk in the year to June 2025, a 70% increase in the last five years.
“Many do not receive enough Housing Benefit to cover their rent. With over one-third experiencing poverty after housing costs, older renters desperately need the UK Government to commit to uprating Local Housing Allowance (LHA), the mechanism that decides the level of Housing Benefit, in next month’s Budget”
explains Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Independent Age charity. Charities are calling for the government to un-freeze the Local Housing Allowance, which remains frozen and is falling behind rents.
Author's summary: Charities demand LHA update.