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<p>Currently those aged 25-34 who have spent 3 months in a homeless hostel for the
purposes of rehabilitation/re-settlement are exempt from the shared accommodation
rate throughout the UK. As announced in the Spring Budget earlier this year, the Government
will amend legislation to extend this exemption to those under 25.</p><p> </p><p>As
well as legislation, the change to the shared accommodation rate exemption will require
amendments to local authority and universal credit IT systems therefore it will take
time to implement.</p><p> </p><p>In the meantime, for individuals who may require
more support and whose circumstances may make it difficult for them to share accommodation,
Discretionary Housing Payments are available.</p><p> </p><p>Since 2011 the Government
has provided over £1bn to local authorities to help support vulnerable claimants with
housing costs. In addition, at the spending round last year, we announced an extra
£40 million for DHPs in 2020/21 in England and Wales, helping to tackle affordability
pressures in the private rented sector.</p>
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