April 7th saw the launch of the new Local Housing Allowance
(LHA) scheme, which aims to make the Housing Benefits system
clearer. The LHA is a national scheme which is being managed
by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
LHA seeks to simplify the existing system, while at the same
time encourage the customer to have a greater responsibility for
their finances, and represents a significant change in how housing
benefit will be paid for privately rented properties.
Local Housing Allowance is the means of calculating the maximum
rent level for a Housing Benefit claim. The rate that a person
is entitled to will depend on the size of their household and the
area they live in. There is no change to the entitlement
rules for Housing Benefit – these will still be based on a person's
income, savings and proof of rent etc.
Payments will now be made directly into a customer’s bank or
building society, rather than to a landlord, giving customers
greater responsibility for their own finances. LHA will only
apply to tenants who rent from a private landlord. It will not
affect tenants of housing associations or tenancies provided by
charities or voluntary organisations. For existing claimants LHA
will only apply if they change address or have a break in their
claim which necessitates a new claim.
Councillor Malcolm Hanney, Deputy Leader of the Council, said:
“Bath & North East Somerset Council has worked closely with all
relevant stakeholders to help implement the Local Housing Allowance
scheme and we hope tenants will see the benefits in the months to
come.”
For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk or contact the
Council on 01225 477777; email revenues_benefits@bathnes.gov.uk,
or write to Revenues & Benefi ts, PO Box 2797, Bath BA1 1WF, or
visit one of our Council Connect Offices at The Guildhall, High
Street, Bath or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton or
Riverside, Temple Street,
Keynsham.
