Press release

Public consultation: The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has been asked to consider proposals for the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has been asked by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to consider proposals for the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011. These proposals would change the definition of a ‘young individual’ for Housing Benefit purposes, so that it would in future cover people under the age of 35, rather than 25 as now. The effect would be to limit the award of Housing Benefit for single people up to age 35 to the shared accommodation rate. This rate reflects the cost of renting property where the tenant has sole use of a bedroom but has shared use of other rooms such as a kitchen or bathroom.

Before the Committee considers and reports on these proposals, it would like to hear from organisations and individuals who have views. Those wishing to make representations to the Committee may obtain a copy of the Department’s explanatory memorandum, and a copy of the draft regulations from the SSAC website: www.ssac.org.uk, or from the Secretary to the Committee, Gill Saunders (0207 962 8345). Representations should be sent to the Committee at N E Spur, Level 3, Adelphi Building, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT or by email to ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk, or via the consultation response facility on the website, to arrive no later than 17 June 2011.

Note for Editors:

The SSAC is the UK’s statutory advisory body for all social security matters except those relating to industrial injuries, war pensions, occupational pensions, and National Insurance contributions. Most proposals for social security regulations must be submitted to the SSAC before they are made. When the Committee reports on regulations, the report is laid before Parliament with the regulations and a statement from the Secretary of State responding to any recommendations the Committee has made.

Published 17 May 2011