Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “Yet again, the UK Government has missed a crucial opportunity to pull thousands of people back from the brink of homelessness by investing in housing benefit. This will be nothing short of crushing for people who rely on this vital lifeline and are continuing to feel the crippling impact of the cost of living crisis.  

“Rents are rising at their fastest rate in 16 years, incomes are not keeping pace and yet housing benefit remains frozen, last increased nearly three years ago. It simply does not make sense. The Government must urgently reconsider their approach and uprate housing benefit in line with the true cost of rents - otherwise we will see thousands more people forced out of their homes with nowhere to go.”