Q&A: Rehousing families on benefits

Housing benefit is capped at £290 for a two-bedroom property

Newham council has been accused of "social cleansing" in London because it has written to a organisation 160 miles away asking for help accommodating people on housing benefit. But what is meant by social cleansing, and what will it mean for the city?

<paragraph>What is the practice which critics call 'social cleansing'? </paragraph>

<paragraph>Why has it come about?</paragraph>

<paragraph>Is 'social cleansing' a bad thing? </paragraph>

<paragraph> Will it result in a 'hollowing out' of parts of the capital? </paragraph>

<paragraph>Has this not happened already?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What other effects is 'social cleansing' likely to have? </paragraph>

<paragraph>Why is there a shortage of council housing? </paragraph>