High Wycombe residents on housing benefits can breathe a little easier thanks to the latest budget announcement.

The chancellor has officially unfrozen the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), a significant help for a region that experienced the 'most significant rent increase in the UK last year'.

This means the financial support people receive for rent, which has been frozen in cash terms since 2020, will now go further in paying the rent of people who receive housing benefit.

It will once again cover the bottom 30% of local rents.

Charitable organisations such as Wycombe Homeless Connection and Aylesbury Homeless Action Group are taking some credit for the much-needed move.

These organisations appealed to Buckinghamshire MPs earlier this year, urging steps to thaw the LHA freeze.

In their discussions, Wycombe MP Steve Baker reportedly showed their letter to Mims Davies MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Influenced by the pleas, Davies and Baker conducted a visit last month to better understand the struggles endured due to the stagnant benefit.

They talked with Vincent, an individual helped by the charities, who had found himself in spiralling rental debt caused by increasing rents and family issues.

Despite finding a more affordable home, thanks to these organisations, Vincent faced a growing backlog of debt, illustrating the dire need for the LHA's reinstatement.

Both MPs have been acknowledged for listening and reflecting the difficulties faced by their constituents in the decision-making process.

Furthermore, Vincent's courage in sharing his challenging experience has been lauded as key in lobbying for the benefit's reinstatement.

With the LHA unfrozen, it is hoped that individuals like Vincent can gain better control of their financial situations.