UK Housing Squeeze: Record Rent Gap, Stagnant Flat Sales, and Budget Crossroads

1.1 million low-income families face a "cost of housing" crunch with an average weekly shortfall of £158 between what they receive in housing allowance and actual rent. In parts of London, that gap balloons to £300 a week. The Resolution Foundation warns that without action in next month's budget, the situation will only worsen.

Behind the Data

Local housing allowance has been frozen in cash terms since autumn 2024 while rents have climbed relentlessly....