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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Jessica Murray Social affairs correspondent

Only 2.5% of private rentals in England affordable on housing benefit, study finds

England Crisis Health Equals Matt Downie
Protesters hold banners calling for rent controls
People take part in a protest organised by London Renters Union in December. About 5.7m households will be affected by the LHA freeze. Photograph: London Renters Union/PA

Only 2.5% of private rented homes in England were affordable for people on housing benefit last year, with charities warning that more people will be pushed into rent arrears and homelessness as a freeze on the benefit takes effect.

From Tuesday, housing benefit rates will be locked at current rates until 2026, affecting 5.7m households on low income which rely on it to cover rent.

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