Alma Economics contributed to research by Homeless Link, funded by Trust for London, aiming to highlight the relationship between Universal Credit (UC), the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and the benefit cap. Our analysis utilised official data to shed light on previously unknown aspects of Housing Benefit (HB) claimants, and provide an understanding of the impacts of the benefits system to find that:

While in theory there are enough affordable properties in many areas of London for people accessing UC, in practice, these are often not available to rent.

Those claiming a housing element as part of their UC in shared accommodation are likely to be renting a property that costs more than their UC housing element.

➥ You can read the full report here.