Written questions by Ribeiro-Addy.

Whether she plans to lift the 2011 cap on the amount of Local Housing Allowance that can be reclaimed by local authorities to cover the cost of temporary accommodation.

We continue to keep the subsidy paid to local authorities under review and appreciate that local authorities are subject to many funding pressures. However, any increases to the subsidy paid to local authorities would require a Budget (rather than as part of a Spending Review) and would need to be taken in the context of the government’s missions, goals on housing and the broader fiscal position.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of delays in winter fuel payments on pensioners experiencing poverty.

No such assessment has been made.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle delays in processing claims for pension credit.

We have deployed more than 500 additional staff to process the increase in Pension Credit claims. Pensioners won't miss out on Winter Fuel Payments even if their Pension Credit claim takes longer to process than usual. Where the customer is eligible for a...

What steps the Government is taking to reduce the number of people dying in poverty in Lambeth.

The Department has noted the recommendations made in the report, and values Marie Curie as a key stakeholder which engages with us constructively in this area. The primary way the Department supports people nearing the end of life is through special benef...

If she will amend guidance on homelessness hostel exemption to recognise asylum accommodation as an exemption from the shared accommodation rate.

We are aware of the challenge some people face in finding shared accommodation, and we are working across government to find appropriate solutions including engaging with the newly formed Inter-Ministerial Group on tackling homelessness and rough sleeping...

Whether she is taking steps to reform the social security system to (a) support families on low incomes and (b) reduce related mental health issues.

I am proud to have social security in my title and this government is prioritising providing security for the most vulnerable, and this includes low income families though Universal Credit, the Household Support Fund and the wider benefits system as well ...