Housing benefits shake-up (From Southend Standard)

Housing benefits shake-up

2:36pm Wednesday 24th October 2007

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A NEW housing benefit scheme for private tenants is set to be launched across Castle Point next spring to give them greater control over their finances.

The local housing allowance will be introduced nationwide from April after pilot schemes around the country.

The council will phase in the new system for all new claims, when there is a break in benefit claims or when a claimant moves home.

Under the new scheme, a set allowance is paid to the claimant. Only if they are deemed "vulnerable" will the allowance be paid directly to the landlord.

Council leader Pam Challis said: "This new scheme will give tenants greater control over their own finances.

"This is a fairer system and makes it clear in advance how much tenants can get."

The council is also developing a policy to help tenants handle their finances and address any concerns from landlords rent will not be paid. For more information on the local housing allowance, click on the link below.

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