Newham landlords ‘receive �2.6m in housing benefit payments’

More than 950 affordable homes were built in Newham in the most recent recorded period, according to a report.

During 2010/11, a total of �2.6million was also handed to the borough’s landlords in housing benefit.

The figures were collated by the left wing think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research, which criticised the amount of money used in rent allowances for landlords.

A spokesman said: “The private rented sector remains largely unprofessional and insecure.

“Meanwhile, the housing benefit bill soars at over �20 billion a year, and rising. England remains one of the richest countries in the world, but it is failing properly to house its people.”