The share of housing benefit claimants by those in work rose nearly 18% to from April 2011 to April 2018. According to figures from the Department of Work and Pensions, while the total number of claimants fell 13%, the ratio of those in employment to the total number of claimants increased, from 1 in 6 in 2011, to 1 in 5 in 2018. Close to 900,000 claimants from England, Scotland and Wales are in work.
Housing benefit is given to people who require help paying their rent because they are on a low income, or are claiming other benefits.
The figures fall in wider context of the UK housing shortage and growth of the private rented sector. One study reported by the FT found increasing discrepancy between rents and benefits available to working households. Housing benefit is one of several benefits that will be transitioned into the Universal Credit system in stages, begining in 2019.