The introduction of a benefits cap will mean more families have difficulty paying rent and will increase demand on affordable housing even further, according to the National Housing Federation.
A cap of £500 per week for families has been rolled out across Britain from today (Monday July 15), while single individuals are restricted to £350 a week.
The government claims that the cap will encourage job seekers to return to work but the National Housing Federation says it’s the wrong move, particularly in London where rents are highest.
Director Ruth Davison said: “In many parts of the country, families won’t be able to pay high private rents because of the cap. There will be more demand than ever for affordable housing, particularly in Greater London where nearly half (49 per cent) of the people affected by the benefit cap live.
“Families could face the stark choice of cutting back on essentials or having to move away long distances from their support networks to look for cheaper places to live. Until we see a long-term affordable house building programme that will drive down the price of rents for everybody, housing costs should be removed from the cap.”
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