I have written to the Chancellor to urge him to end the freeze on the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) as a part of the campaign being led by Crisis.

LHA is a benefit paid to people in private sector rented accommodation, to help cover their rent payments if they’re not in work, or are on low incomes. It has been frozen since 2016, which means that a family living in a 2-bedroom property in receipt of LHA in Bristol is now £217.50 a month worse off than they would have been three years ago. Many people have not been able to afford their rent as a result, and, as we know, losing a private tenancy is one of the most common causes of homelessness.

It’s time that the LHA kept pace with rising rents, and I hope the Chancellor listens.