THE Welsh Government’s communities minister Lesley Griffiths has called on the UK Government to exempt supported housing from its plans to cap housing benefit for social tenants.

The Labour AM for Wrexham has written to UK minister for welfare reform Lord Freud asking him to exempt supported housing from the changes.

Her call came after the UK Government announced it would cap housing benefit for social tenants at the same level as those in the private sector.

“Supported housing plays a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.

“The sector provides far more than simply accommodation – it offers a whole range of support, from 24 hour emergency response services for older people, to therapy for people suffering from mental health problems.

“This level of support means rents are typically higher than in the public sector.

“To punish vulnerable tenants for the services they need to live independently would be unjust and counterproductive.”