We recently responded to a Social Security Advisory Committee request for evidence on the Department for Work and Pensions’ proposals for the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011.

The proposals would change the definition of a ‘young individual’ for Housing Benefit purposes, so that it would cover people under the age of 35, rather than 25 as now.

‘Young individuals’ only receive Housing Benefit for a room in a shared house. The current average Local Housing Rate for this is around £40 per week.

There are 5,892 single claimants aged between 25 and 34 currently receiving the ‘one bedroom house’ rate who could face an estimated weekly reduction of £24.50.

Our response highlighted the potential negative impact on particular groups such as people with mental health issues, care leavers, ex prisoners and single men and women who have non-resident children.

Read our response here