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<p>Benefit rates and the Local Housing Allowance are reviewed annually by the Secretary
of State.</p><p> </p><p>In April 2023, State pensions and benefits, including Universal
Credit, were up rated by 10.1%, in line with the increase in the Consumer Prices Index
in the year to September 2022.</p><p> </p><p>Claimants in receipt of housing support
living in the social rented sector have their eligible rent paid in full, unless the
level of housing support is reduced because of their income or savings, contributions
from non-dependants, or limited by the benefit cap or the removal of the spare room
subsidy.</p><p> </p><p>For private renters, the Local Housing Allowance determines
the maximum housing support for tenants. Local Housing Allowance rates are not intended
to cover all rents in all areas. However, in 2020 the Government spent almost £1 billion
increasing Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30<sup>th</sup> percentile of market
rents. This significant investment has been maintained, ensuring that everyone who
benefited continues to do so.</p><p> </p><p>The Government understands the pressures
people are facing with the cost of living and has announced support to households
to help with higher bills worth £94 billion across 2022-23 and 2023-24, one of the
largest household support packages in Europe.</p>
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