Councils warn homelessness to rise unless housing benefit cuts reverse

96% of councils are concerned that homelessness will increase if the freeze on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is not lifted, a survey by the Local Government Association has found. It comes after a report by the National Audit Office last month found that the freeze on housing benefit is “likely” driving the increase in homelessness. The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to end the freeze on in the coming Budget. Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson, commented: "The Conservative's cruel welfare cuts are making it impossible for some families to find an affordable home to rent. “Homelessness is already rising at an alarming rate, and as we head towards winter this will only get worse. "The Government must unfreeze housing benefit before more hard-pressed families are pushed over the edge. "The Budget is a good opportunity to put this right.”