Responding to the measures announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “People across the country will be breathing a sigh of relief to hear the Chancellor commit to raise benefits, and the cap on benefits, in line with inflation. This is hugely welcome and will ensure more families are protected from the very worst of the financial pressures they are currently having to bear.

“What this statement doesn’t do, however, is alleviate the mounting strain on 1.9 million private renters who rely on housing benefit to cover their rent. With housing benefit remaining frozen, stuck at levels set in 2018-19, and rents rising at their fastest rate in 16 years, this cut will leave more and more people unable to afford a secure home.

“Abandoning renters during a recession and cost of living crisis is unforgiveable. We urge the government to immediately invest in housing benefit so that people have a fighting chance of finding and keeping a home. Doing nothing risks a further surge in homelessness, forcing thousands into misery and destitution.”

Ends

Notes to editor

• 1.9 million private renters across GB rely on housing benefit to pay their rent. 1.7 million are in England – this is more than one in three private renters.
• Crisis research with Zoopla has found that just 11% of one-bedroom properties across England were affordable to people in receipt of housing benefit over the last year.
• Average shortfalls between housing benefit and actual rents have increased by more than 40% in five months. Households face shortfalls of over £950 a year on average for one bed properties and even more for two and three beds – over £1,500 and £2,300 respectively.