| answer text |
<p>An exemption from the shared accommodation rate for those aged 25-34 who have spent
three months or more in homeless hostel was introduced in 2012 when the age limit
for the shared accommodation rate was increased from 25 to 35. The exemption addressed
concerns raised by the Social Security and Advisory Committee about the impact of
these changes on rough sleepers. The exemption is designed to target people receiving
a sustained programme of rehabilitation rather than people who have sporadic, short
term says.</p><p> </p><p>Housing Benefit rules should reflect the housing expectations
of people of a similar age not in receipt of benefits. For other individuals who may
require more support and whose circumstances may make it difficult for them to share
accommodation, Discretionary Housing Payments are available. DHP funding, from 2011
over £1 billion to date and an additional £40 million for Discretionary Housing Payments
in 2020/21, will enable local authorities to consider individual circumstances and
provide longer-term support for more vulnerable claimants.</p>
|
|
