ARCH has joined 40 housing sector organisations in writing to the Chancellor, Rachel  Reeves, to urge her to increase local housing allowance rates, which determine the maximum amount of help private renters can get with their rent.  LHA rates have lagged far behind increases in sector rents.  Eviction from or inability to access privately rented accommodation is the commonest cause of homelessness, and one of the main reasons why the number of households in temporary accommodation is higher than it has ever been. According to Crisis, just 2.7% of private rental listings in Britain ask for rents below the local LHA maximum, down from 12% in 2021/22.  The joint letter calls for LHA rates to be increased to cover the lowest 30% of rents – in line with the policy when LHAs were first introduced.