Mr Goodwill had queried plans in the House of Commons to pay housing benefit directly to tenants rather than landlords.

He said: "Has it dawned on the minister that the move to pay housing benefit directly to tenants rather than to landlords for new tenancies will result in an increase in evictions and a reluctance among private landlords to let their houses to people on benefit?"

But Ms Flint said his attitude was "patronising" and added: "I understand the driver for the change was about ensuring those renting in the private sector who have traditionally been in receipt of housing benefit can take more responsibility for finding their housing and assume more financial responsibility, too.

"The change is about developing a more independent approach, rather than a dependent approach.

"I also understand – I am sure that colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions will be happy to provide him with information on this – that safeguards are in place, particularly for vulnerable tenants, to ensure that rents are paid and, where appropriate, that adequate and suitable support is given either by Jobcentre Plus or local authorities, or by charitable organisations working with particular groups of vulnerable people."

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