Housing allowance advice

Benefits reforms

From April 2011, local housing allowance is changing as part of a range of reforms to the welfare system by the UK Government.

Changes to local housing allowance payments may affect all claimants and may lead to a reduction in the benefits they receive.

From January 2012, there is a major change that will affect single people aged from 25 to 34 who are renting privately. They will no longer be entitled to receive Local Housing Allowance based on one-bedroom, self contained accommodation.

The shared room rate, which currently applies to single people under the age of 25, will be extended to people under 35. There are exemptions to this rule and more information will follow.

This will mean a reduction in the amount of housing benefit that people in this age group receive and they are likely to have to consider moving into shared accommodation.

People over 35 may also see a reduction in their benefit of between £10 and £20 per week.

The Council will be writing to people getting housing benefit about the changes.

Alan Sinclair, Council tax and benefits manager said: “It is important that people read the letter carefully and seek further advice as they will need to consider what to do when the changes come in.

“We are providing a dedicated advice service to help people plan for these changes to avoid the risk of becoming homeless.”