Survey Finds Only 32 Affordable Rental Properties in Wales for those on Housing Benefits

A charity, the Bevan Foundation, has conducted a survey in February 2023, which found that only 32 out of 2,638 private properties advertised for rent in Wales were affordable using housing benefits.

The UK government is criticized for not increasing housing benefits to keep up with rising rental costs.

Mario, 65, from Swansea, who was made homeless after his partner died, was able to find a flat with the help of the charity Crisis, but his housing benefit only covers £75 of the £825 rent, leaving him with a tight budget.

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA), which determines the amount of housing benefit or Universal Credit for privately rented properties, has been frozen since April 2020, despite rental costs continuing to rise.

Rents in Wales have increased by 4.8% in the year to April 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), making it difficult for people to afford housing.

The UK government is urged to increase housing benefits to address the issue.