There’s a debate going on about some councils in London deciding to favour the employed in social housing queues.
For the taxpayer which costs more
Unemployed – get benefits and rent help. Presumably full to the limits on age etc.
Employed – If you’re on minimum wage and in private rented you’ll get some benefit help towards your rent (I assume but haven’t yet done the calculations to show this) and possibly tax credits too.
Which works out best for the taxpayer?
Cheaper rents all round would be the thing that really helped!