Benefit system can be challenging for landlords’ – council

not in the control of the council.

“The rent levels in Cardiff can be a problem in accessing private rented accommodation.

“The maximum amount that a tenant can claim in housing costs through Universal Credit is restricted to the Local Housing Allowance rate which is set by central government.

“These rates have been frozen in recent years and have not kept pace with the rising costs of renting in the city. It is worth noting though that this restriction applies to tenants who are in work or not in work as many benefit claimants are in employment.”

The council runs a landlord liaison team to help homeowners with tenants on benefits, and has “homefinder workshops” in its hubs to help people find privately rented homes.

The council spokeswoman added: “We would not want to underestimate the challenge of housing in Cardiff – requests for help by people threatened with homelessness are increasing. However, we urge anyone facing such a problem to contact the council at an early stage to seek assistance as a range of help is available.”

Cardiff council cannot comment on individual cases, the spokeswoman added.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it has increased support for low-income households in areas where Local Housing Allowance rates are out of step with the rise in rents – providing an extra £125m funding across 2018/2019 and 2019/2020.

A DWP spokeswoman said: “Since 2011, we have provided local authorities with more than £1bn in discretionary housing payments to support the most vulnerable. And, this year, the Government increased more than 360 Local Housing Allowance rates, targeting extra funding at low-income households.”