Jane Hunt MP asked:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a housing benefit taper for recipients who have entered into employment but temporarily remain in supported accommodation.
David Rutley MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, responded:
This is already in place. The income taper in Housing Benefit ensures claimants will always be financially better off working than not being in work. In addition to any financial advantage, there are important non-financial benefits of working. These benefits include learning new skills, improved confidence and independence as well as a positive effect on an individual's mental and physical health.
