Esther McVey tells councils: Spend the cash we gave you to help people hit by benefits cuts This clearly shows that scare stories we've heard about the funding running out were unfounded But more importantly it shows that there is still support available to people who might need it, and I would encourage people to get in touch with their local council if they would like to find out more. The changes to how we pay Housing Benefit mean the taxpayer now funds the number of rooms a claimant actually needs - but doesn't pay for spare rooms. This has been the case for Housing Benefit in the private sector, and the reform means those in council and housing association properties now receive the same level of support. I think it is sensible that claimants are encouraged to make realistic choices about how they meet the rent on property that is larger than they need. But those facing the changes have not been left high and dry, as some claimed they would - far from it, in fact. The DHP fund was tripled this year to provide support for people as they adapt to the changes, whether that be moving into work, finding better paid jobs, or downsizing to a smaller home. And the Chancellor has just announced a further £80m in funding for the coming two years This means that there will be a safety net for the foreseeable future, while we continue to press ahead with the biggest changes to our welfare state for a generation. And there is no doubt these changes are sorely needed. There are 375,000 families in England and Wales living in cramped and overcrowded accommodation. Yet at the same time there are approaching 1m extra rooms going spare in social housing across the country. On top of this there are an estimated 1.8m households on the housing waiting list in England. This is wrong and must be addressed Reducing Housing Benefit for those who are occupying properties that are too large will create the stimulus needed for people to downsize to homes that are more suitable, freeing up extra space for those who have a greater need. We are already seeing the sort of turnover in the social housing sector that is so desperately needed and believe this will gather pace in the New Year. These reforms are part of the Government's long-term economic plan to ensure help is there for those who need it most while we provide the keys for people to find independence away from benefits.