Housing benefit payments to remain frozen in 2024

Housing benefit payments for private renters will be frozen again next year, continuing a trend that has persisted since 2013. This freeze means payments will not adjust to rising rents, potentially leaving claimants with shortfalls. Charities have raised concerns that the freeze will worsen housing affordability, with estimates suggesting affected renters could be £243 worse off annually. The government has stated it remains committed to increasing affordable housing and has allocated additional funds to support low-income households. The freeze follows a period where housing benefit rates were linked to local rents, a practice that ended in 2012. While the government increased rates this year to cover the cheapest 30% of properties, the ongoing freeze has drawn criticism from various organizations advocating for renters' rights.