Information Library

One of the most frequent questions I get asked by my RSL clients and the delegates who attend our seminars is – when will Universal Credit directly affect our tenants? The truth is none of us know for certain at this stage. The DWP report “Local Support Services Framework” http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/uc-local-service-support-framework.pdf…

A recent article, “100,000 Scots could cash in on bedroom tax loophole” published by the Glasgow Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/100000-scots-to-cash-in-on-bedroom-tax-loophole.20243112 has created a bit of stir in RSL, Council and DWP circles here in Scotland and has produced some interesting follow-up articles and website discussions in other parts of the UK. The…

The DWP has been busy over the weekend and has produced yet another report, focused this time, on how claimants in need of specialist Money Advice will be identified and provided with a range of support http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/personal-budgeting-support-guidance.pdf. Not surprisingly, the report alludes to the fact there already exists a network…

This latest offering from the DWP: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/uc-local-service-support-framework.pdf has been produced in collaboration with local authorities. The document sets out the principles of how critically important support for Universal Credit claimants might be delivered. Interestingly, it also hints there might be some sort of financial support for “partnership” organisations, including RSLs and…

The Government has responded to concerns raised by the Work and Pensions Committee about some aspects of its welfare reform proposals, including an obvious lack of clarity in some key areas and a very worrying lack of protection for landlords, especially in relation to “vulnerable” and delinquent tenants. Read its detailed response. http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm85/8537/8537.pdf…

I’m sure you’re already aware that the Local Finance Act November 2012 makes provision for the localisation of a Council Tax Support scheme in England.  In Wales similar provisions have been made for a Council Tax Reduction scheme.  In doing so, the Government has effectively abolished the national Council Tax…

The above headline title sounds a bit like an American election pledge, but it’s perhaps worth reminding those private landlords engaged in providing accommodation to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) tenants tat, even assuming the Coalition Governments meets its ambitious target of abolishing Housing Benefit (HB) by 2017, it will remain…

LGO report – maladministration found – compensation agreed of £1800 – LGO criticises council for its mishandling of the landlord’s complaint Download Full Report…

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LGO report – maladministration agreed – compensation paid – council found to have paid HB wrongly to tenant. Download Full Report…

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The Residential Landlords Association has just published an article which I prepared. It focuses on the issue of HB Overpayments, and, the oftentimes, overzealous attempts by Council Housing Benefit sections to recover large sums of money, sometimes many thousands of £’s, directly from landlords. In the case highlighted £22K was involved. Nationally,…