Housing Benefit Fails Nearly Half of Barnet Families Rent Needs

Hey, listen to this about housing. A new study shows a problem in Barnet. Forty-five percent of families there can’t cover rent. These families get housing benefits and have kids. The IPPR said this is happening across the UK. About 440,000 families face this.

The report worries about child poverty. It says it could get way worse by 2026. They blame benefit changes and rising rent costs. They also mention the lack of social housing. The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is supposed to help people pay private rent.

The LHA is given to those on Universal Credit and housing benefit. But the IPPR says the LHA isn’t enough. Cuts have made housing unaffordable. This is increasing poverty in children.

They think 90,000 more families will struggle soon. This could affect 925,000 children by 2026. The IPPR wants the government to act. They want the benefit cap removed, and new social homes built.

The IPPR noted varying support across areas. Wales has over half of renting families short on rent, while Scotland’s number is much lower, around a third. East Lothian did best; Neath Port Talbot fared worst.

The government says they are helping by mentioning support funds. They uprate benefits and wages. Also, they help with Universal Credit deductions. They have a Child Poverty Taskforce too. This aims to help kids get a better start.