Written questions by Owen.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the maintenance of Local Housing Allowance at current levels is not having a disproportionately negative impact on people from black, asian or minority ethnic groups.

The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance rates for 2026/27 at Autumn Budget and a decision was made to maintain LHA rates at their current 2024/25 levels for 2026/27. A range of factors were considered, including rent levels across Great Britain, the wider fiscal context and welfare priorities. Ministers also considered the equality impacts, including by ethnicity, in line with the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty when taking decisions about policy.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling people over 65 who are not eligible for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to access mobility vehicle support.

Disability Living Allowance is aimed at providing additional help with the extra costs of disability to people who are severely disabled early, or relatively early, in life and who as a result, have had fewer opportunities to work, earn and save. Those who become disabled, or develop mobility needs, after reaching the age of 65 will have had no disadvantage on grounds of their disability during their working lives. It is normal for pensions and benefits systems to contain different provisions for people at different stages of their lives, because the help provided needs to reflect varying priorities and circumstances. We will keep the policies of the department under review, to ensure they meet current needs.