Coalition demands benefits cut rethink

A coalition of 27 organisations is urging the government to scrap
plans to cut housing benefit of people accused of antisocial
behaviour, branding the measures “discriminatory, ineffective and
ill-conceived”.

The Department for Work and Pensions issued a consultation document
on housing benefit sanctions to local authorities in May (news,
page 8, 22 May). But, as the consultation closes this week, social
care groups are warning that the plans are likely to lead people
further into poverty and create homelessness.

The coalition, including local authorities, tenants’ groups, the
legal profession, housing professionals and charities, believes
that the proposals would simply move those involved and their
disruptive behaviour on to a new set of neighbours.

Earlier this month, the Local Government Association, which has
joined the coalition, branded the measures “discriminatory”.

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