A new report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that several factors including rising rents, declining household incomes, and decisions to expand the number of assisted households were key drivers of the approximately 29 percent increase (before inflation) in housing agencies’ expenditures for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program between 2003 and 2010. The agency also identifies options for increasing efficiencies with the HCV program and concludes that, if implemented effectively, these recommendations could reduce the need for new appropriations, cut costs, or increase the number of households assisted. The suggestions include reducing housing agencies subsidy reserves, implementing administrative reforms, and consolidating the administration of the voucher program.
Click here to read the GAO report.
