Today I have warned of the impact of changes to housing allowance on people living in Makerfield.
The Conservative led coalition government want to change the way Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is calculated. The change they propose means 700,000 people in Britain are set to lose out according to official DWP figures, with losses in every local authority in Britain from October 2011. As a result of this measure 4,780 LHA recipients in the borough will lose out.
Families on modest incomes in Makerfield will be concerned that from next year they could be £9.00 a week worse off because of cuts to the support they get with housing costs.
The government like to paint a picture of the work shy receiving huge state handouts of Housing Benefit but the truth is that these figures contain a large number of in work Housing Benefit recipients, seeking to make a better life for their families.
This is a big drop in income for people struggling to make ends meet with no time for individuals or landlords to adjust. For those receiving Local Housing Allowance, this will come as a dramatic change imposed at a reckless speed.
The Government just doesn't seem to understand that higher homelessness, like longer dole queues make it harder not easier to deal with the deficit.
