3.6 million fall into poverty after housing costs
Around one in seven private renters are spending more than half of their incomes on rent, according to research by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Affordable rent is supposed to be no more than 30% of your income; however, four in ten spend more than 30% on rent.
The soaring costs of rent mean that while 10.4 million people are in relative poverty before housing costs, a staggering 14 million people are in relative poverty after housing costs.
The LGA is calling for more affordable homes and more social rents to stall this rent crisis.
The high costs of rent are preventing younger people from saving up to afford their own homes. The average deposit is around 71% of a first time buyer’s yearly income.
While 15% of private renters pay more than half of their incomes on rent, just 2% of homeowners pay more than half of their income on their mortgage.
The average price of a renting privately is £852 across Britain; however this figure is slightly skewed by high costs in London.
What help is available?
Housing Benefit (HB) – is money to help you with your housing costs if you are on a low income. It can help with rent and some service charges.
Council Tax Support (CTS) – is a scheme provided to help people on low incomes with their Council Tax bill.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) – is money to help with housing costs at the discretion of your local authority. You can only get it if you are entitled to Housing Benefit of the housing element of Universal Credit.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) – is help towards the costs for the home you live in, such as the interest payments on your mortgages.
In addition, there are Energy Efficiency Schemes, Energy Schemes and Water Schemes.
Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to see what Benefits you are able to claim
You can also use the Turn2us Grants Search to see what charitable funds you are eligible for