‘Weight benefits for high-cost living’

A “London weighting” adjustment for people on benefits would help
reduce child poverty in the capital, says the Association of London
Government.

The association is urging the government to allow people in
high-rent areas to earn more before their housing benefit is
withdrawn and to raise the tax credit threshold covering child care
costs.

Dame Sally Powell, the association’s deputy chairperson, said the
cost of living in the capital had created the country’s largest
benefit trap.

She was speaking at an inquiry into child poverty held by the House
of Commons work and pensions committee.

Powell said people living in high-cost areas should be encouraged
back into work by increasing provision of affordable child care and
social rented housing.