A protestor from anti-austerity campaign organisation The People's Assembly with stacks of food outside Downing Street DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PAThe government made changes in the budget to its new welfare scheme because it was feared that the policy was forcing landlords to desert the housing rental market. Philip Hammond announced a package of changes to universal credit worth £1.5 billion after facing widespread criticism, including from Sir John Major, charity chiefs and council leaders. The new welfare scheme combines six means-tested benefits, including housing benefit, into one payment. While claimants on legacy benefits had their housing benefit paid directly to their landlord, after the changes they are expected to pay rent from the single payment. Yesterday Mr Hammond announced that housing benefit would continue for two weeks after a claimant moved across from legacy benefits.

Source: The Times November 23, 2017 00:00 UTC