Local Housing Allowance (LHA) changes, 2013-2016

This data relates to the private rented market in the Cambridge housing sub-region (Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk). The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the housing benefit for households in the private rented sector. The data looks at the impact of two of the reforms to the LHA. Prior to 2011, LHA was based on the median market rent for a Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA). The Cambridge sub-region is mostly covered by 5 BRMAs. Within each area, half the rents were below the set LHA rate and half were more expensive. In 2011 LHA was reduced to the 30th percentile market rent meaning 30% of rents are below this level.