Property118 has published an article reporting that Propertymark told the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee that many people in receipt of benefits are excluded from some housing options due to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.

LHA rates have been frozen since 2020 and have not kept up with market rents.

The article can be seen here; Propertymark are concerned that Universal Credit has caused some tenants to go into debt while waiting for the initial payment from the first five weeks.  With Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns, stating: “We have called on the UK Government time and time again to end the freeze on LHA rates and improve how Universal Credit operates in order to help its recipients’ ability to obtain good quality and well-managed housing.

“We hope the influential Work and Pensions Committee can also add its weight to the issue and force the UK Government to address these urgent issues and reengage with stakeholders representing the private rented sector as a priority.”