Crisis responds to Government announcement on increases to Universal Credit and Housing Benefit

Today, Friday 20th March, the Government has announced nearly £1bn of support for renters, increasing the generosity of housing benefit and Universal Credit so that Local Housing Allowance will cover at least 30% of market rents.  

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “We warmly welcome the steps Government are taking to create a proper safety net through the welfare system that protects families from losing their homes.

“The move to increase housing benefit so that it covers the bottom third of rents will ensure that people are not pushed into homelessness during this outbreak. The need for this cannot be understated – families must have the security of a safe, permanent home."