Information Library

Hi, This course has been designed specifically for Housing Association staff, including those who work closely with tenants to ensure rent collection is maximised and the need for associated recovery action is kept to a minimum. This is especially important in the current climate of welfare reforms where wholesale changes…

Good morning, Earlier this year, I highlighted a social security scandal, relating to JSA/ESA sanctions and their unintended knock-on effect on Housing Benefit. The problem has, if anything got worse, despite the fact both DWP and councils are well aware of its existence, not to mention the unnecessary rent arrears…

Good morning, The Court of Appeal has rejected a challenge to the Government’s ‘Benefit Cap’ legislation (R (SG) v. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions). You can read full transcript here Benefits Cap Appeal The Claimants supported by Child Poverty Action Group and Shelter, contended that the legislation contravened their…

Good afternoon, DWP has just published a compendium of the most recent reports, relating to the development and implementation of Universal Credit designed to assist Social Landlords prepare for the roll-out of the scheme, starting, on a national basis, from February 2015. Details can be foundhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-rented-housing Tucked in at the end of…

Good afternoon, I unearthed this briefing paper (Bedroom Tax: Exemptions & Tribunals) produced by Giles Peaker, Anthony Gold Solicitors which, very helpfully, summarises some of the key issues arising from: a)      The 1996 HB (Bedroom Tax) exemption provisions & the effect of the statutory instrument, effectively closing the “loophole”; b)      The…

Good morning, Just as most UC commentators were predicting, nothing significant would happen, prior to next year’s election, Iain Duncan Smith pulled a white rabbit from nowhere by announcing yesterday, that Universal Credit will be rolled out to all Jobcentres and local authorities across the country, starting February 2015. Although…

DWP have just issued a consultation document, aimed at Social landlords, seeking views on proposed amendments to the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012. You’ll find a copy of the regulations here including details of how to respond to a series of questions posed. DWP…

Good Morning, DWP has just published a list of all the Jobcentre and Council areas, that represent the next tranche of the national rollout, starting next February and due to complete by April 2015. The expansion plan, has been an ongoing affair, certainly since June 2014, when DWP introduced it…

Good morning, First Choice Homes (FCHO), Oldham have reported (24 Dash.com) on a telephone survey it has undertaken with 40% of its tenants affected by Universal Credit. One of the initial Pathfinder pilots, in 2013’s roll out of Universal Credit, FCHO found that their tenants had suffered multiple problems with…

Hi, One of my most recent bulletins related to the potential for Housing Benefit to be reviewed because of a piece of transitional legislation affecting tenancies operating from 1st Jnaury 1996. DWP has now accepted the legislation can assist tenants who meet the qualifying criteria by exempting them from the…