Vulnerable in Yorkshire '˜could lose their homes'

Labour argued a new cap on housing benefit for social tenants did not reflect the higher costs of specialised supported housing.

Shadow Housing Minister John Healey, the Wentworth and Dearne MP, said: “The Tories’ extreme cuts to housing benefit, which they hid away in the small-print of the Autumn Statement, could bankrupt vital housing for some of our most vulnerable people in Yorkshire and across our country. This could be a catastrophe for those who can least afford it. There is no way these people or the organisations who support them can make up the yawning shortfall these cuts are set to open up.”

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis accused Labour of “scaremongering” and said money had been set aside to combat homelessness, help the victims of domestic abuse and provide specialist housing for vulnerable people.

He said: “We know that the welfare suystem is vital for supporting vulnerable people and it is essential that all vulerable people have a roof over their heads which is why we’ve been determined to support their housing needs.”