Agenda item

Rose Doran, Senior Adviser, introduced item six, which updated members on the policy briefing that went to the roundtable held with the Secretary of State (SoS) for the DWP.  Rose’ update included the position of the LGA, which is shared with Crisis, Shelter, London Councils, and other partners.  Rose stated that this briefing is not just focused on the Local Housing Allowance, but also on the bigger picture, which includes working with MHCLG and the wider community.

The Chair briefly fed-back to members his observations of the roundtable, which included the SoS Amber Rudd MP being very receptive and communicative.  The Chair went on to state that it is vital to restore the private sector LHA rate back to the 30th percentile of market rents.  This position is agreed by the LGA, as well as most of the housing associations and charities. However, the issue and ultimate decision sits with the Treasury. 

Following this, members discussed ways to raise this issue with government and to gain further traction.  Members agreed that this was another issue whereby local government is underfunded but expected to solve the issue.  Members went on to mention new statutory local government duties to tackle homelessness and funding domestic abuse refuges.  Members agreed that local government can resolve issues, but not through chronic underfunding.    

Action

1.    Members noted the update.