Changes to housing benefits will hurt hard working families in Neath, warns local AM Gwenda Thomas.

Department of Work and Pensions figures show 2,840 people in Neath Port Talbot will be penalised by changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA), introduced by the Westminster Government. Those on LHA in the private rented sector who will receive less financial support and the UK average loss would be around £500 a year.
Mrs Thomas said: “£500 a year is substantial amount of money for those on limited incomes. There can be little doubt that this will make life far more difficult for many families.”
This figure includes 410 people in employment receiving much needed financial support, as well as 100 people over the age of 65. These are people working hard to pay their bills and use the allowance to cover their rent.
John Puzey, Director of Shelter Cymru stated: “We are very concerned that the changes outlined by the Westminster government will result in many more people falling into arrears and facing the threat of eviction and homelessness.”
Mrs Thomas said: “These changes in housing benefits are being rushed in and have not been thought through. They will hurt some of the poorest and most vulnerable in Neath.”