Informing MPs of the inadequacy of benefits levels

The Bevan Foundation’s work informs the Work and Pensions Committee’s report on benefit levels in the UK

Today, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has released a new report follow an inquiry launched into the adequacy of benefits levels.

The report calls on the Government to outline the extent to which benefits should be supporting people with daily living costs and bring forward a plan so that benefit levels meet the new benchmark.

In the report, the Bevan Foundation is referenced in recommending that the UK Government should follow the example of the Scottish and Welsh Governments by setting out principles to underpin the benefits system. These principles relate to dignity and respect, poverty reduction, human rights, designing the system with people and on the basis of evidence, and benefits as an investment in the people of the UK.

The Bevan Foundation’s work on Local Housing Allowance has also informed the recommendation that the Government to introduce a new ‘uprating guarantee,’ to uprate working-age benefits and the Local Housing Allowance rate each year, to end the uncertainty faced by people claiming benefits.

Our Head of Policy, Dr Steffan Evans, highlights that across Wales during the first two weeks of February 2023, only 32 properties (1.2% of what was on offer) were at the LHA rate in the formal rental market area. This meant that claimants often had to use their Universal Credit payments to cover their rent, or they were pushed into homelessness or poor-quality housing.

Amongst the other recommendations, the report calls for the Household Support Fund, which enables local authorities to help those in need, to be made a permanent part of the social security system.

Read the full report »