The UK government is set to subsidise private landlords in England with over £70 billion in the next five years through housing support, according to analysis by the New Economics Foundation (NEF).

The figure is over six times the amount that is expected to be spent on affordable housing by 2026 (£11.5 billion).

The local housing allowance has been increased to support those in receipt of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, but new rates will be frozen from April.

NEF researchers called for the building of more social homes and for improved regulation of private renting.

Source: New Economics Foundation