News from Peterborough City Council

People who rent their homes from private landlords not Cross Keys Homes or any other housing association face changes in the way they receive housing benefit under new Local Housing Allowance rates.

 

The changes will affect tenants who make a new claim for housing benefit or change their address on or after 7 April.  Tenants who are already receiving housing benefit on 7 April will not be affected by these changes unless they have a break in their claim or move to a new address.

 

The new Local Housing Allowance is based on an individual's household requirement and no longer solely on the rent that is being charged.  This means that tenants with households in similar circumstances will now receive similar amounts of benefit.  The introduction of the Local Housing Allowance will make it easier for tenants to find out in advance how much benefit can be paid as the rates will be freely available to the public.

 

Payment of benefit under the Local Housing Allowance scheme will, in the majority of cases, be made direct to tenants, who will then be responsible for paying their rent to landlords. In cases where exceptional circumstances are shown that prevents the authority making payments to the claimant it may be possible to make payments direct to landlords.

 

For more information on the Local Housing Allowance scheme contact Peterborough City Council's Benefits Service by telephoning (01733) 452241 or by visiting the city council's customer service centre at Bayard Place, Broadway (opposite Central Library).

 

Further information and advice is also available on the city council's website at www.peterborough.gov.uk/localhousingallowance.  Questions and comments can also be emailed to benefits@peterborough.gov.uk.