Overview

The Affordable Homes Bill aims to improve the availability of affordable housing in the UK. It addresses Housing Benefit calculations for those with disability adaptations, reviews the overall affordable housing market, and defines various terms related to affordable and intermediate housing.

Description

Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Calculations

The bill modifies the calculation of Housing Benefit and the housing costs element of Universal Credit. It ensures that these benefits cover the actual housing costs, even if adaptations for disability have increased the rent, provided the claimant meets specific criteria (evidence of disability need, adaptation cost, and lack of reasonable alternative accommodation). It also accounts for situations where an extra bedroom is needed due to disability, as long as it's not causing excess bedrooms compared to necessity.

Review of Affordable Housing

The Secretary of State must conduct a 12-month review of affordable and intermediate housing availability. The review will assess the need for such housing, progress in meeting that need, and the potential for developing the intermediate housing market, including an examination of relevant financial products and the roles of registered providers and community land trusts. The review may lead to the issuance of guidance or directions to facilitate improvements.

Definitions

The bill defines key terms: "affordable homes," "intermediate housing," "community land trust," "financial product," and "registered provider," clarifying the types of housing and entities involved in the affordable housing market.

Government Spending

The bill will result in increased government spending. While precise figures are not provided in the text, the changes to Housing Benefit and Universal Credit will likely increase the amount paid out to eligible claimants. Further spending will be incurred by the Secretary of State in conducting the review and implementing any subsequent actions.

Groups Affected

• People with disabilities: May receive increased Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to cover costs of disability adaptations.
• Claimants of Housing Benefit and Universal Credit: Those meeting the bill's criteria will see changes in their benefit calculations.
• Local Housing Authorities and Registered Social Landlords: Will be involved in administering the changes to benefits and potentially involved in the review of affordable housing.
• Registered Providers and Community Land Trusts: Their roles and potential impact will be assessed in the review of the affordable housing market.

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