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<p>No such assessments have been made of the potential effect of rent arrears on the
ability of claimants to gain employment.</p><p> </p><p>For 2020/21 we are projected
to have spent almost £30 billion to support renters with their housing costs. This
included a boost of almost £1 billion to the Local Housing Allowance in response to
Covid-19, which provided 1.5 million households in the private rented sector with
around £600 more in housing support over the year. We have maintained Local Housing
Allowance rates at the same cash level for 2021/22.</p><p> </p><p>For those claimants
struggling with their single monthly rent payment, and as a result are at risk of
financial harm, there are alternative payment arrangements, which in certain circumstances,
can allow a claimant to receive more frequent Universal Credit payments.</p><p> </p><p>For
those who require additional support with housing costs Discretionary Housing Payments
are available and since 2011 we have provided over £1 billion in Discretionary Housing
Payments funding. We have allocated a further £140 million for Discretionary Housing
Payments for 2021/22 in England and Wales.</p><p> </p><p>We also recognise that some
private renters have rent arrears built up as a result of the pandemic and vulnerable
households may need additional support. We are therefore providing an additional £65
million, through a one-off top up to the Homelessness Prevention Grant, for local
authorities to help vulnerable households with rent arrears to reduce the risk of
them being evicted and becoming homeless.</p>
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