STOP THE FREEZE: New @jrf_uk research out shows why the Chancellor must choose to permanently unfreeze LHA and re-link it to local rents this Budget. If she doesn't, private renters on housing benefits will be on avg £703 per year worse off by the end of the Parliament. 🧵1/x.

RT @StatsPeter: Here's @jrf_uk's expert view. The much heralded severe disability mitigations only apply to at most 10% of people who would….

RT @PeterStefanovi2: "The balance here is off the scale" . The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will deepen poverty and ha….

RT @jburnmurdoch: Economic uncertainty update:. The thing about veering wildly between policy positions, favouring a new maverick advisor e….

RT @StatsPeter: Our complaint re the growth in health benefits has been upheld: "The statement that the number of….

Last week PiP published this brilliant paper, looking at how families on Universal Credit experience income volatility. Would really encourage a read. I found it particularly striking how a lot of the effectiveness of UC at smoothing incomes is wiped out by sanctions & deductions.

RT @J_Elliott94: A potential triple whammy here for some young private renters. If they lose PIP entitlement too, due to tightened eligi….

RT @jrf_uk: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions @leicesterliz's speech today laid out plans to cut disability and sickness benefits by….

RT @StatsPeter: Thanks to @guardian for covering @jrf_uk analysis (see . As I say, “A government that came to offic….

RT @jrf_uk: Slashing benefits to meet an arbitrary fiscal target would be unethical, short sighted and illogical. ❌. 2 in 5 people receivin….

Some news! After 5+ years of my dream job @jrf_uk, next week is my last. I think it's rare to really love your job. But having the best colleagues & getting to work on such important issues everyday has meant I have. Time to learn new things at the BBC which will be v different!.

The promise of growth, amid a backdrop of rising inflation, soaring rents, utility bills growing and a weak labour market won't boost living standards on it's own Urgent action is needed from govt to unfreeze housing benefits and ensure benefits reflect the cost of essentials.

Our @jrf_uk projections show that living standards are set to fall over this parliament without further action from the government to support families' incomes and address costs.

While slightly lower increases than last month, we are still seeing huge rises in rents that many are struggling to pay. With water, council tax & energy bills set to rise again in April, alongside housing benefits remaining frozen & UC only increasing by 1.7%, it's dire.

Inflation is up by 3%, but private rents are up by 8.7% across the UK and 11%(!) in London. Across GB, it means paying ~£100 more per month on avg since Jan 24, or ~£200 more since Jan 23. In London, £220 more per month since Jan 24, or ~£400(!) more since Jan 23.

All eyes on BoE's cut to the bank rate, but really concerning that energy and water bills are set to push inflation up to 3.7% in Q3 this year. With over 7 million low-income households already going without essentials, this is v bad news for putting pounds in peoples pockets.

With the Bank Rate held at 4.75%, it adds to the combo of poor economic indicators we've seen this week that everyone, but especially low-income families have been confronted with:.-rising inflation.-soaring rents.-more expensive water bills to come. Not a great Christmas present.

We desperately need for social housing which will be the best solution - but in the meantime, we've got to ensure renters can keep their homes and not give up paying for food or heating just to pay rent. Unfreeze LHA and permanently re-link the rate to local rent levels.

The government URGENTLY need to unfreeze LHA so that families can afford their rent. @jrf_uk research shows over 8 in 10 low income private renters are currently going without essentials. And 57% who have children are paying more than 40% of their income on rent.

All the while, housing benefits for low income private renters remain frozen, and benefits like UC are only going up by 1.7%. Housing costs are soaring, and incomes simply aren't. It's little wonder that we find that living standards are set to fall over this parliament.

🚨🏠 New private rent stats also out this morning with rents across the UK up 9.1% in the year to Nov 24. In London, up 11.6%! . These are HUGE monthly increases: Compared to 2023, on average, it's an extra £110 per month in Great Britain & an extra £230(!) per month in London.