Salford residents could see improvements to homelessness and housing issues thanks to the Government’s decision to unfreeze housing benefits – but not until next year.
The Chancellor announced in his Autumn Statement that housing benefits will be unfrozen to combat soaring rates of homelessness and tackle the housing crisis.
The decision will help people who are struggling to pay rent and will aid homeless people settling into homes from temporary accommodation by making more places affordable.
However, there has been negative backlash that the decision to increase Local Housing Allowances will not come into place until April 2024.
Salford Mayor Paul Dennett, on X, called for further Government action, stating: “Shocking it hasn’t been introduced immediately, given the housing and homelessness crisis we’re facing!
“Delaying it until April 2024 means there’s a clear urgent case for government to support councils now in tackling homelessness.”
Housing charity Shelter said: “We are pleased the Chancellor has listened and taken a crucial step to stop rising homelessness.
“However, waiting until next April will leave many families facing a winter with the threat of homelessness.”
Rates of homelessness in the Manchester area have risen in recent years with around 7,407 rough sleepers recorded in 2023, the third highest in the UK, with Salford being particularly affected by the crisis.
Shelter said: “With homelessness at a record high, this will be an essential lifeline to keep people in their homes.”
Mr Dennett also said on X: “Well done everyone who has worked tirelessly over the years to finally get government to see sense and lift the Local Housing Allowance to cover the bottom third of local rents.
Well done everyone who has worked tirelessly over years to finally get government to see sense & lift the Local Housing Allowance to cover the bottom third of local rents.✊🏻
Shocking it hasn’t been introduced immediately, given the housing & homelessness crisis we’re facing!😡 https://t.co/iygmyOmcLl
— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) November 22, 2023
Featured image taken/owned by Garry Knight, Flickr.
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