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New National Housing Federation report released

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A new report by the National Housing Federation (NHF) has found that private landlords earned £9.3 billion from Housing Benefit in 2015; more than double the figure from 2006 (£4.6 billion) and a 42% increase since 2008.

The NHF has also calculated that it costs an additional £1,000 every year for each family renting privately and claiming Housing Benefit or more specifically, a £5,705 cost compared with £4,638 for those in the social rented sector. In London, this figure rises to more than £3,000 extra per family each year.

Comment from National Housing Federation's Chief Executive

NHF chief executive David Orr said: “Today, nearly half (47%) of all families claiming Housing Benefit in the private rented sector are in work – this is nearly double the proportion it was six years ago (26%). The lack of affordable housing available means that a wider group of people need housing benefit.”

Turn2us help

If you are on a low income and struggling with housing costs, you may find the 'Help with housing costs' section' of our website useful.

Use our free Benefits Calculator to see what welfare benefits and tax credits you are entitled to. Even if you have checked before, it is worth doing another calculation, especially if there has been a change in your circumstances.

You can also use our Grants Search to find out if you are eligible for a charitable grant, or other support. If you are worried about any issues to do with your situation and would like further advice, you can use our Find an Adviser tool to locate face-to-face advice in your local area.

Read more on this story: The London Economic article: 9.3 billion private landlords have doubled Housing Benefit income in a decade