Local Housing Allowance

That this House recognises that during the 2020 Spending Review the Chancellor of the Exchequer noted that unemployment is likely to reach 2.6 million by the middle of 2021; notes that, despite this expected surge in unemployment, the Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that the 2020 Spending Review presented a future real term cut in the Local Housing Allowance; further notes that the National Residential Landlords Association has described that cut as a kick in the teeth for both renters and landlords; is concerned that that cut will force people to choose between eating and keeping a roof over their head; believes that the welfare system must be a safety net for people in their time of need; and calls on the Government to avert an impending housing crisis by cancelling the freeze in the Local Housing Allowance and providing on-going real term increases in the Local Housing Allowance to cover average rents.