Partner Article

Landlords Petition Ministers over universal credit payments

A [petition](http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/35479“ target=) calling for universal credit housing benefit to be paid to landlords if tenants fail to pay their rents, has been placed on the Downing Street website.

Under [new proposals](http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/legislation-and-key-documents/welfare-reform-act-2012/welfare-reform-draft-regulations/? target=) revealed this week, the Government plans to scrap the existing right of landlords to ask for Local Housing Allowance - the benefit paid to tenants in private rented accommodation - to be paid to them if the tenant falls into arrears or is judged to be vulnerable. The petition asks that the Department for Work and Pensions reverses this proposal, saying it should take a ‘common sense approach’.

Under new rules to be introduced next year, any housing benefit allowance will be paid direct to tenants, even if they are in arrears & not the landlord. This will not only subject the landlord to financial pressure and possible repossession, but also increase the likelihood of landlords refusing to take housing benefit tenants, which will increase pressure on local councils and housing associations who will also not be able to request direct payments to them.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Natalina Sutherland .