Universal Credit took it first hesitant steps yesterday in the Ashton-under-Lyne, Jobcentre Plus Pathfinder with the other three projects due to commence in July. The Pathfinders, as their name suggests, were designed to test out the preparedness of the DWP and Councils, and especially the super-duper, real-time, IT system, that…

Direct Payment Trigger proposals revealed The DWP has just issued the latest of its Housing Benefit circulars A13/2013 titled “Universal Credit: Change of circumstances affecting Housing Benefit”. As I waded my way, slowly through its contents, I came across, on page 16 (one of the annexes) the following paragraph, addressing…

As I expected, my bulletins tend to produce queries on a number of fronts. One question which has arisen on a few occasions is: “How will we be able to pursue the tenant’s son or daughter if the “household” payment is made to them?” The question is based on a…

Below you’ll find an exchange of e-mails involving Council Tax which you may find of interest. Many English and Welsh councils anxious to raise new revenue streams have been sending out letters to RSLs suggesting they should be billed for council tax liability during tenancy void periods. A number of…

Disabled tenants to fight bedroom tax in the High Court A number of disabled tenants have been granted a judicial review hearing of the Government’s decision to cut housing benefits to people considered to be under-occupying. The tenants in question are being represented by Leigh Day, Solicitors who have lodged…

I received an e-mail from one of my clients this morning seeking some advice on two issues which were troubling her. The Q & A I’m sure will be of interest to you as well so she very kindly allowed me to share this with you. Questions Morning Bill I…

Only days after its introduction we’re already seeing evidence of how Council decisions, in relation to the under-occupation sanctions (bedroom tax), can be successfully challenged when the facts, caselaw and arguments are presented in persuasive fashion to council Housing Benefit managers. You can read the story here: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/charity-wins-appeal-over-bedroom-tax-for-sheffield-family-1-5564992 In this…

Howard Shiplee, recently appointed Director General of Universal Credit made a speech the other day, providing an update, and, it has to be said, a dose of honesty, to the ‘progress’ and many critical mistakes that have been made in relation to Universal Credit. You can read his comments in…

The DWP have recently published a “Toolkit” which incorporates a series of recently updated briefing notes.  These notes are each individually accessed by links on the DWP Toolkit Page….

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Following the Secretary of State’s announcement on 12 March 2013 the Government has laid amending regulations to clarify the size criteria rules for two specific groups of Housing Benefit (HB) claimants: approved foster carers and parents of armed forces personnel. The amendments now make provision for a room to be…