Hutton urged ‘close benefits loophole’

Work and pensions secretary John Hutton has been urged to close a benefits loophole that has left 50 people with learning difficulties “in imminent danger of losing their homes”.

National Housing Federation chief executive David Orr warned Hutton the number “could rise very quickly” unless the problems identified by the Turnbull housing benefit judgement were resolved.

Social security commissioner Charles Turnbull decided residents in supported housing should not receive housing benefit beyond the average rent level in the area if their support was not provided by their landlord.

Orr called for a ministerial letter to housing benefit departments indicating the government was considering the matter spending further guidance.