Benefit cut raises housing concerns for u'25s

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

Homelessness charities have raised concerns about the ability of young people to access housing in the private sector following housing benefit cuts brought in this month.

The Government has extended the threshold for the Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) from age 25 to 35.

This entitles claimants to the lower shared room rate rather than the full rate for a one-bed flat.

Critics argue the move will disadvantage younger groups who will now be competing with older claimants for accommodation already in high demand.

Alice Evans, head of policy at Homeless Link, told 24housing magazine: “It has always been hard to get young people into shared accommodation because you had to convince landlords they were a good proposition as a tenant. Now [they’re competing with] people who are over 25, potentially in full time work and with a history of managing a tenancy.”

The Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) extension has come in this month for new claimants.

Existing claimants will be affected nine months after their claim is reassessed.

Back in July Crisis revealed that the impact of the SAR extension would be far reaching.

It said around 62,500 people will initially be affected, with the average loss being £41 per week. It warned that the cuts will mean that most affected by this cut will lose their homes.

You can read the full feature in next month's 24housing magazine.