Housing benefit boost anticipated in Autumn Statement – London Wallet

Private renters in England could receive hundreds of pounds more to help pay their rent under plans reportedly being considered by chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Zoopla has carried out fresh analysis, on behalf of ITV News, revealing financial support would increase by more than 50% for renters looking for a two bedroom property in some parts of the country, with some receiving more than £450 extra to help cover their monthly rental cost.

Housing benefit has remained frozen since 2020, despite a surge in rents in recent years.

It estimated that there are currently 4.6 million private renters in England, of this 38% of them receive housing benefit.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, which determine the level of housing benefit people receive to pay rent where they live, have been frozen in cash terms since 2020.

Data from Zoopla shows the average rental cost for a two bedroom property in England is currently 22% higher than the average LHA rate, which means a £152 shortfall every month.