New Twist in Housing Benefit Controversy

[Webranger]

Newspapers and landlord magazines have been full of comments about the Government's intention to reform the Local Housing Allowance system to reduce costs. Some of the proposals are workable and fair and others not. Even London's Lord Mayor has joined the controversy against his fellow Conservatives.

 

I emailed the manage of the local council housing benefits dept. on Friday about the issue that I thought might give me, as a LL, the biggest problem:

"There's a lot of talk about the new LHA rules, but the one that concerns me most is expecting single people under 35 to share. I have enough problem explaining to people under 25 that they cannot afford a flat, but up to 35??!!

 

Can you tell me when this new rule is due to apply. Different "reforms" are due at different times and I can't see anywhere when this rule is to apply."

 

To which I had this unexpected reply:

 

"As far as we know it is due to take effect from April 2012. Please be aware though that all the announcements made are subject to change and that this proposals may be short lived anyway now with the imminent introduction of the new Universal Credit announced yesterday which is going to include the element for housing costs currently met by housing benefit and local housing allowance and will not be administered by local councils but centrally by the Job centres and the DWP."

 

So maybe all the huffing and puffing over this issue will have been irrelevant.

[45002]

Mistake

Edited November 14, 2010 by 45002
"Enter" hit to many times

[45002]

Mistake

Edited November 14, 2010 by 45002
"Enter" hit to many times

[45002]

It was announced back on 20th October .....

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/will_you_be_affected_by_the_spending_review

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/housing_benefit_for_young_people

 

But will the Libdems out a stop to it ?

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11616741

 

Only time will tell...