The Government is set to cut up to 20% of the income of some of the country’s poorest people in April, consultation documents highlighted by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.
Government plans to alter the Local Housing Allowance could leave low-income families £780 worse off. At the moment, families receiving Local Housing Allowance (LHA) are able to keep up to £15 a week if they choose a home with a rent below the Local Housing Allowance maximum for their area. Ministers now propose removing this £15 a week payment with immediate effect in April.
Affordable housing champion Heather Kidd said ‘For local families struggling to make ends meet £15 a week is a lot of money. This Labour government has consistently raised taxes on the poorest and the most vulnerable by stealth. This won’t actually save any money.’