No Plans to Change Benefit Cap Say the Government

BENEFIT CAP - The government have said there are no plans to change the benefit cap.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms says failure to increase benefit cap prevents people from receiving extra support, however, the government say they have no plans to change the benefit cap.

London’s benefit cap is £442.31 per week for couples or single parents with dependent children, and £296.35 per week for single adults.

Image: East Ham MP Stephen Timms. 

The East Ham MP took issue with Thérèse Coffey, secretary of state for the DWP, in a recent parliamentary session: “The unchanged benefit cap is now blocking increased support which the government has decided people should receive — it’s having a particular effect in London.”

Mr Timms argued that increases to universal credit, working tax credit and local housing allowance cannot be enjoyed because of this cap. In response, Ms Coffey said that the government do not intend to increase the cap.

Ms Coffey explained that “aspects of housing benefit regulation” have been changed, and that Londoners “should see an increase” in what they receive in that respect.

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