The impact of housing benefit changes - research and briefing

New research by London Councils shows that 82,000 households across the capital will be at risk of losing their homes under the government’s controversial changes to housing benefit.

A survey of landlords who currently rent properties to housing benefit tenants in London showed that very few would be prepared to lower their rents when changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) come into effect next year.

Using the results from the survey, London Councils can estimate that more than 82,000 households – well over a quarter of a million people - could be priced out of their homes and the communities where they live and work.

In light of this new evidence, London Councils is urging the government to increase an existing hardship fund to £18 million from next year and give more powers to councils so they can refuse to pay LHA landlords who are profiteering from housing benefit.

• Read the full survey report Opens in a new window
• Read our press release
• Read our briefing Opens in a new window