Shelter responds to the Universal Credit debate.

October 19, 2017
Shelter responds to the Universal Credit debate.
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: “Shelter’s advisers are hearing from more and more people whose lives are being turned upside down by the many flaws with Universal Credit. Not only are people forced to go without basics like food and electricity, but the delays mean they get into debt, cannot pay their rent and risk being evicted and made homeless.“If the government wants Universal Credit to fulfil its aim of helping people, it must immediately resolve the unnecessary delays and errors that are causing so much suffering. The housing element of Universal Credit is too low to keep up with the actual cost of private rents in much of the country, meaning even if people receive their benefits on time they could still lose their home. The government must lift the freeze on housing benefit in the Autumn Budget.”

Source of information Shelter.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Industry Response to the Spring Statement

Following on from the Spring Statement, here are some thoughts from the Industry. Rightmove’s property expert Colleen Babcock: “It’s extremely disappointing that the government have not used the Spring Statement as an opportunity to extend the impending Stamp Duty deadline for those currently going through the home-moving process. We estimate over 70,000 buyers are going…
Read More →
Breaking News

Leaders Response to the Spring Statement

Michael Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Leaders Romans Group Given the challenge of making £15 billion worth of cuts to public spending, today’s Spring Statement was never going deliver everything on the property industry’s wishlist. That said, two significant pieces of good news stand out amongst some otherwise depressing statistics. And this goes to show…
Read More →
Breaking News

Spring Statement ‘Sweetener’ or Legal Headache? Lawyer Weighs In

Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive and a UK lawyer, exploring the legal implications of the affordable housing investments. UK lawyer says “While this initiative will provide housing stability for thousands of families, many more will continue facing uncertainty.  “This ongoing pressure frequently leads to interconnected legal needs, from family law matters exacerbated…
Read More →
Breaking News

ONS house price index – Thoughts from the Industry

On Sales: Jean Jameson, Chief Sales Officer at Foxtons: “February built on January’s strong momentum, with sales outperforming last year and market confidence holding steady. First-time buyer demand remained resilient, despite the fact that anyone buying now is unlikely to complete in time to benefit from the stamp duty relief—suggesting the incentive may not be…
Read More →
Breaking News

Private rent and house prices, UK: March 2025

Average UK monthly private rents increased by 8.1%, to £1,326, in the 12 months to February 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 8.7% in the 12 months to January 2025. Average rents increased to £1,381 (8.3%) in England, £785 (8.5%) in Wales, and £998 (5.8%) in Scotland, in the 12 months…
Read More →
Breaking News

London rental market remains stable in early 2025

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – February 2025 London rental market remains stable in early 2025 as demand and supply hold steady, Foxtons data shows The average rent now stands at £557 per week, slightly higher than in 2024 Applicant demand has remained within 3% of February 2024 levels Supply levels remain strong, with new listings…
Read More →