25/06/12….MP answers critics of plan to stop housing benefit to under 25s

RESPONDING to plans by David Cameron to stop housing benefit to those under 25 years old, David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, which represents England’s housing associations, including South Oxfordshire’s Soha Housing Association, issued a statement today.

“We all want a fair housing benefit system that supports those truly in need,” he said. “A home is fundamental to providing the security people need to hold down jobs and be an active member of their community. Preventing those under-25 from getting help for housing costs may increase homelessness and make it harder for young people to move to where they can find work. There could also be a huge impact on young working families relying on housing benefit to help pay their rent, or disabled people unable to work.

“The best way to keep the housing benefit bill down, by addressing the supply side, is to ensure there are enough decent quality, affordable homes. By supporting housing associations to build more homes, the Government can stimulate growth and keep rents low, which in turn stops people being caught in the poverty trap caused by high rents.

“Housing associations are working hard to implement the latest round of welfare reform changes. We need time to understand what the full impact of these changes will be before instigating more,” he concluded.

In response, Thame’s MP, John Howell, told ThameNews.Net this afternoon: “I have had many discussions with the National Housing Federation and I agree with them particularly on this point: we need more affordable housing. Local communities recognise this too and are taking up the challenge of helping to provide this through Neighbourhood Planning.

“Government is encouraging new affordable housing in many different ways, from the New Homes Bonus given to councils for building new houses, through to the 170,000 new affordable homes over the Spending Review Period, which will deliver