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<p>The Government does not a prescribe a definition of affordability, but we recognise
that the fundamental purpose of social housing is to provide affordable, safe and
secure homes to those who cannot afford to rent or buy through the open market. This
purpose is reflected in the definition of affordable housing in the National Planning
Policy Framework and in our approach to setting maximum rent levels in social housing.
The vast majority of rented social housing in England is let at Social Rent using
a formula that takes account of relative county earnings (among several other factors).
In the case of Affordable Rent, the initial rent is capped at up to 80 per cent of
the equivalent market rent (except in London where both Social Rent and Affordable
Rent levels tend to be lower).</p><p>The Government continues to invest to deliver
different types of rented social housing to meet the needs of a wide range of households
including those at risk of homelessness in areas of the country where affordability
is most pressured.</p><p>For those who cannot afford their rent, Housing Benefit or
Universal Credit is available to provide support with housing costs.</p>
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