Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes, has welcomed the news that the Conservative Government is introducing new legislation to Parliament to increase the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), which calculates housing benefits, benefitting1.6 million low-income households and saving families an average of £800 in 2024-25.
Having delivered on the Prime Minister’s priority to halve inflation last year, alongside global economic conditions stabilising, the Conservative Government is now able to take the long-term decisions required to strengthen the economy and build a brighter future.
Exceptionally high rents, caused by global inflationary pressures, mean housing support provided to many on the lowest incomes have become out of step with market rates. By raising the Local Housing Allowance rate to the thirtieth percentile of local market rents in April 2024,the Conservative Government are supporting over one million families to meet current costs.
Over the next five years, £7 billion will be invested to support 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit across the UK, benefitting households by an average of £800 for 2024-25.This cost of living support is only possible thanks to the long-term, difficult decisions the Conservative Government took to get inflation falling and strengthen the economy.
Maria Caulfield MP said:
“Many residents have contacted me concerned that the previous Local Housing Allowance rates were not allowing them to keep up with rising costs. I am glad that the government have listened and are increasing the LHA, which will help 75,000 households in the South East.”