Budget 2025: Housing Association CEO backs two-child benefit cap removal but concerned over cost of living

Image credit: Lee Bloomfield, Chief Executive, Manningham Housing Association

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Press Release

BRADFORD, UK - 26 September 2025

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap in today’s Budget.

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “As a housing association which places a special emphasis on providing high quality affordable properties for larger families, the removal of the two-child benefit cap is positive news which will help to lift a sizeable number of children out of poverty.

“That said, I am concerned that many more people on the lowest incomes will be dragged into paying income tax by the Chancellor choosing to extend the £12,570 personal allowance threshold until 2031.

“Added to ongoing high inflation and an ever-increasing cost of living, this could have a particularly damaging impact on working families in the years ahead.

“It was also disappointing that, as one of the Government’s supposed top priorities, house building was absent from this Budget which I hope is not a sign that it has fallen down its policy agenda.

“The additional funds allocated to the West Yorkshire Mayor to invest in local areas is certainly welcome and I, along with colleagues in the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, will be engaging with Tracy Brabin and her team to discuss how communities in Bradford and Keighley can benefit from these monies.”

Notes to editors

About Manningham Housing Association Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has a proud track record of delivering homes and services to communities in Bradford and Keighley. It was founded in 1986 following a piece of research on the housing needs of Black and Asian communities in Bradford. This research proved that the needs of the South Asian community were not being addressed. With an annual turnover of £8.5 million and a staff of 44, the association now manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents. Around 75 per cent of MHA properties are large family homes with three or more bedrooms. Over 80 per cent of MHA residents are of South Asian origin but the association proudly serves all of those in need. MHA holds a G1 rating for governance and a V1 rating for financial viability from the Regulator of Social Housing. In addition to holding the Customer Service Excellence quality mark, MHA is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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