The government reversed its previously announced policy to scrap
housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds under Universal Credit.
In a written statement to Parliament issued on 29 March, Work
& Pensions Secretary, Esther McVey, announced the government
would "amend regulations so that all 18 to 21-year-olds will be
entitled to claim support for housing costs in Universal
Credit".
In her statement she said:
"This Government is committed to providing young people with the
support they need to get started with their working lives. We do
this through providing financial support when it is needed, and
support to either 'earn or learn' - delivered through the
simplified Universal Credit (UC) benefits system. In line with this
aim, I am today announcing that the Government will amend
regulations so that all 18-21 year olds will be entitled to claim
support for housing costs in UC.
Currently, 18-21 year olds who make a new claim to UC in UC Full
Service areas need to meet certain requirements in order to receive
housing support. The change I am announcing today means that young
people on benefits will be assured that if they secure a tenancy,
they will have support towards their housing costs in the normal
way.
Young people in return will have a Youth Obligation - an
intensive package of labour market support for 18-21 year-olds
looking to get into work. We are committed to providing targeted
support for young people so that everyone, no matter what their
start in life, is given the very best chance of getting into
work.
This decision ensures that there are no unintended barriers to
young people accessing housing on the basis of their age alone and
getting into work, and is in line with the Government's launch of
the Homelessness Reduction Act and our commitment to eradicating
rough sleeping by 2027."
ARCH welcomes the Minister's decision