DWP announces £800 boost will be handed to 1.6 million in UK

The DWP says around 1.6 million Britons look set to receive a significant increase in housing support in April.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced an average £800 boost for Britons on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. The DWP says around 1.6 million Britons look set to receive a significant increase in housing support in April.

Mel Stride, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £1.2billion boost to Local Housing Allowance, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare – helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with unprecedented cost of living support.”

Mims Davies, minister for disabled people, health and work said today: “Keeping inflation down and supporting people to stay and progress in work is the best way we can bolster families’ finances and help them progress, but we know some are still struggling which is why we are providing this important extra help.

READ MORE Met Office says snow and cold snap could last in UK 'until February'

“This key boost to our housing support will see average renters around £800 better off. It is just one crucial part of our £104billion package to help the most vulnerable which also includes an increase to benefits in line with inflation and our latest series of cost of living payments.

Matt Downie, the chief executive at Crisis, said in a statement: “It cannot be understated just how vital this investment in housing benefit will be in helping to both prevent and end homelessness. In recent years, people receiving Housing Benefit have found it increasingly difficult to afford the soaring cost of rents.

"Giving Housing Benefit this crucial boost will make a real difference to people across Great Britain and will relieve some of the pressure facing people on the lowest incomes. We hope this investment will be maintained for the long term, so we can continue with our collective mission to end homelessness for good.”