To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the highest weekly payment of local housing allowance is that has been paid since its introduction; and in which broad market rental areas it was paid. (228872)

The Rent Service has confirmed that the highest weekly local housing allowance (LHA) rate they have issued is £2,875 per week, which has been quoted in recent press stories. This LHA rate was provided for Broad Rental Market Areas Central London and Inner North and West London.

As the Department has not received data returns from all local authorities for the whole of the period since the introduction of the LHA, we cannot confirm what the highest weekly amount actually paid out has been.