Rebecca Harris MP has welcomed extra support with the cost of housing for 63,000 households across the East, as part of the Conservative Government’s targeted cost of living measures to support those most in need, by increasing the Local Housing Allowance.

Having delivered on the Prime Minister’s priority to halve inflation last year, alongside global economic conditions stabilising, the Conservative Government is now able to take the long-term decisions required to strengthen the economy and build a brighter future.

Exceptionally high rents, caused by global inflationary pressures, mean housing support provided to many on the lowest incomes have become out of step with market rates. By raising the Local Housing Allowance rate to the 30th percentile of local market rents in April 2024, the Conservative Government are supporting over one million families to meet current costs.

Over the next five years, £7 billion will be invested to support 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit across the UK, benefitting households by an average of £800 for 2024-25.

This cost-of-living support is only possible thanks to the long-term, difficult decisions the Conservative Government took to get inflation falling and strengthen the economy.

Combined with the Back to Work Plan and other measures announced in the Autumn Statement for Growth 2023, only the Conservative Government will deliver a fair welfare system–supporting more people into work while providing a robust safety net to protect people from hardship during difficult economic times.

Rebecca Harris MP, supporting the plans, said: 

“This Conservative Government has a strong record in supporting those who need help with the cost of living–especially during the continued fight to keep inflation down and tackle higher energy bills. The Government’s decision to increase the Local Housing Allowance means the most vulnerable families across Castle Point  will receive greater support with the cost of rent – in line with increased rents across the private sector."

 Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride MP said:

“Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £1.2 billion boost to Local Housing Allowance, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare–helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with the unprecedented cost of living support.”