West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a Government commitment to help lower paid people keep on top of spiralling rent payments.

More than 65,000 households across the West Midlands will be able to access extra help through increases in the Local Housing Allowance. Across the country, 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will be supported meaning an average of £800 this year.

The measures are part of a range of support offered to lower income households, such as the cost of living support payments totalling £900 this Winter.

Harriett said:

“Inflation is coming back under control and the economic outlook is looking brighter for the coming year but lower income households are facing still facing higher than expected bills.

“Private rental costs have risen in tandem with the increase in mortgage rates so this extra help will be a welcome boost for those claiming housing benefit or Universal Credit.

“The Government has pledged to deliver a fair welfare system, supporting more people into work while providing a robust safety net to protect people from hardship during difficult economic times.”