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<p><del class="ministerial">I am replying to this question as assessments of the effect
of the benefit cap are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.</del></p><p><del
class="ministerial">Evaluation evidence in relation to the existing cap showed very
little, if any, impact on homelessness as a direct result of the cap. The small numbers
of capped households who have been evicted were noted by Local Authorities as having
other reasons for rent arrears and also failing to engage with relevant services;
they were considered intentionally homeless.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">Where
claimants need further financial support with their housing costs in order to adjust
to the benefit cap, for example while they find work or move to more suitable accommodation,
Local Authorities can provide additional support through the use of Discretionary
Housing Payments.</del></p><p><del class="ministerial">To help Local Authorities protect
the most vulnerable and to support households adjusting to the reforms, the Government
will provide £870 million funding for the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme over
the next 5 years.</del></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial"> <p> </p><ins
class="ministerial"><p>The information is not held.</p></ins><p> </p></ins></p><p>
</p><p> </p>
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