London housing debate

Meg tabled a debate in Parliament this week to challenge the Government on housing benefit reforms.

Reforms to cap local housing allowance (housing benefit) will affect around 1,500 Hackney residents and many more across London.

Meg tabled an adjournment debate in Parliament to highlight the unfair effect of the reforms on Londoners.

Meg said, "This subject touches the lives of many people, including those who are in temporary accommodation because the council has accepted that they are homeless.

"More than a third of households in receipt of housing benefit are families who will not easily find an alternative. I asked the minister if he could explain if the Government has considered the human impact of this measure."

The debate was attended by a number of London MPs. Of all London boroughs only four have rents within the new caps.

Notes:

Under new rules housing benefit paid for renting in the private sector will be capped at £250 for a one bedroom home, £290 for a two bedroom home, £340 for 3 bedrooms and £400 for four bedrooms.

The changes are due to come in from April next year

A full transcript of the debate can be read at Parliament Hansard