Housing Benefit: Young People
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of increasing employment among young people in supported accommodation through benefit reform on costs to the Exchequer.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
We acknowledge there is a challenge presented by the interaction between Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for those residing in Supported Accommodation and receiving their housing support through Housing Benefit.
We recognise that there is potential for savings to the Exchequer from young people in supported accommodation increasing their earnings. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.
We are considering the issue carefully in partnership with stakeholders.
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