Second independent housing research report published

The second independent research report into Housing Benefit reform was published today.

Research from an independent consortium led by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University covers the impact of recent Housing Benefit reform in the private rented sector.

The research looks at the attitudes of claimants and landlords in 19 areas across Great Britain following Housing Benefit reforms that started in April 2011.

Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, said: "Reform of Housing Benefit in the private sector was absolutely necessary to control a system that saw spending double over a decade to more than £20 billion a year. However, it is also necessary to monitor and follow the reforms to help us build and learn for future reforms.

"I want to thank the consortium led by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research for their ongoing work and look forward to the final report."

Ian Cole, Professor of Housing Studies, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, said: "This report provides findings from in-depth interviews undertaken with claimants, landlords and housing advisors in early stages of the implementation of the reforms.

"In addition, an econometric and spatial analysis of Housing Benefit claims provides insights to the initial impacts of the reforms across the country." 

The report finds:

• large numbers of claimants have not moved during the study
• in 120 council areas, reductions to Housing Benefit have been £5 or less
• the extra £130 million of support from DWP to councils to help tenants has assisted claimants well where losses have been greater

The full report, Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit is available to download here.

Media enquiries for this press release are being handled by the Department for Work & Pensions press office: 0203 267 5123.