Live from Westminster - The Effect of Universal Credit on The Private Rented Sector

The Conservative's roll out of Universal Credit risks driving up homelessness, Stephen Lloyd, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson, will warn in his Westminster Hall debate this morning.

Lloyd is leading calls for the reform of the housing benefit element of Universal Credit before a “disaster occurs in an already dysfunctional housing market”. 

He will call on the Department for Work and Pensions to make some further changes to the way they administer the housing element of Universal Credit before it is too late.

Speaking ahead of the debate Stephen Lloyd warned:

"If further urgent changes are not made to the Government’s new benefit, Universal Credit, homelessness will skyrocket and the private rental sector will prove even more resistant to tenants on benefits.

"The government has the opportunity to improve the chronic housing shortage across the country by making Universal Credit payments to landlords the default option.

"Despite the chaos created by the shambolic rollout of Universal Credit, opportunities for positive action remain if the government actually listens to those trying to make the system work."

The Westminster Hall Debate will take place at 0930 this morning (Tuesday 9 January) and can be viewed live below

AGENDA

The effect of universal credit on the private rented sector - nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. Stephen Lloyd MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)

A recent study carried out by the Residential Landlords Association shows that almost 87% of landlords would not be willing to let their properties to claimants of Universal Credit, while 38% have already experienced UC tenants going into arrears.  A separate study commissioned by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that 90% of local authorities were concerned that UC would increase homelessness.

Luton airport expansion. Bim Afolami MP (Hitchin and Harpenden, Conservative)