Only 2.5% of private rentals in England affordable on housing benefit, study finds

Exclusive: Charities say freeze to housing benefit will push more people into rent arrears and homelessness

Only 2.5% of private rented homes in England were affordable for people on housing benefit last year, with charities warning that more people will be pushed into rent arrears and homelessness as a freeze on the benefit takes effect.

From Tuesday, housing benefit rates will be locked at current rates until 2026, affecting 5.7m households on low income which rely on it to cover rent.