We offer second tier advice in North Yorkshire and are starting to hear more concerns relating to both LHA and the local reference rent.
The local reference rent is now based on the BRMAs and this has had a great impact on private tenants in the more expensive areas. Some claimants, who were already paying towards their rent, are now having to find another £10 a week following their annual review. This is likely to have huge implications as there are no affordable private rents in the areas affected, and not enough social housing to meet demand, so tenants do not have the option of moving. One Housing Association worker suggested that the policy intention must be to move claimants into run-down inner-city areas.
There will be winners of course. And those who are under the LHA assessment will benefit by up to £15 a week. But, the difficulties for claimants in certain areas is very worrying.
Our Housing Benefit managers have been very upfront and expressed concern also. Attempts to challenge the BRMAs at a national level have been unsuccessful. The effect of altering the localities for local reference rent localities does not seem to have been anticipated. And there are no expected increases in the Discretionary Housing Payments budget either.
Any rays of hope welcomed. We are only just looking into this but haven't identified any challenges to the situation so far.
Liz
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