The UK could increase housing benefit for private renters in the Autumn Statement.

Jeremy Hunt, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, is reportedly weighing up whether to increase the Local Housing Allowance, which has not been raised since 2020. The move is aimed at improving housing conditions for low-income tenants and preventing more people from becoming homeless.

Lora Bencheikh, executive director of Caridon Property Group, is one of many calling for an increase in the Local Housing Allowance. She emphasised the need for the government to unfreeze housing benefit rates to stop low-income tenants being excluded from the private rental market and to prevent further homelessness.

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate, frozen since April 2020, has lost the value of the financial support it provides to those eligible for housing benefit and needs to be adjusted accordingly.

With inflation and soaring rent prices, more and more individuals and families are unable to afford suitable housing, leading to increasing problems of rent arrears, evictions, homelessness and mental illness.

Against this backdrop, adjusting LHA standards to reflect the current economic climate and rising rental prices would be a step in the right direction.

Charities such as Crisis and Shelter have been calling for an increase in the benefit cap, especially with inflation soaring since 2020.

They point out that the adjustment to LHA rates is part of the solution to the housing crisis, which is a complex and multi-faceted issue. Raising the cap on benefits will help those most in need of support to access better housing conditions and reduce the number of homeless people.

However, it is important to note that increasing the local housing allowance is not the only measure to address the housing crisis. The Government should also adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes increasing the supply of affordable housing, reforming the rental market and providing long-term stable housing options.

It is only through comprehensive policy measures that the housing crisis can be tackled in a holistic manner, ensuring that all people have access to adequate housing.

The Autumn Statement gave some hope about the possibility of an increase in housing benefit for private renters. This initiative will help to improve the quality of life for low-income tenants and reduce the number of homeless people, whilst also sending a message to society that it cares about vulnerable people.

It is hoped that the Government will weigh the interests of all parties in its decision-making and formulate more comprehensive and effective policies to address the housing crisis and promote social justice and development.