I just got the NLA emailed newsletter and it contained the following information about the WRB... I had heard about it, but untill reading the NLA article no real details... I have copied the follwing small section from the NLA newsletter and credit goes to the NLA for this information which is of use to all Landlords.
"On Monday 24th July the Government presented the Welfare Reform Bill to Parliament for its second reading debate. The Bill makes a range of changes to the benefits system but the proposed changes to Housing Benefit will be of most interest to NLA members. The Government intends to replace Housing Benefit in the Private Rented Sector with Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This will be paid direct to tenants (rather than to landlords as now) with the amount being paid based on local market conditions rather than the specific property. The tenant will then be able to keep up to £15 per week where their rent is lower than their Local Housing Allowance. The Government intention is that this will encourage financial responsibility amongst tenants and give them greater choice in choosing a property to live in. The Bill also includes provisions which allow tenants to be stripped of their entitlement to Local House Allowance or Housing Benefit if they commit serious antisocial behaviour and refuse to take up offers of help to reform their behaviour. The arrangements for when a tenant receiving benefits passes into work are also streamlined. If passed into law it is intended that Local Housing Allowance and the other changes will be introduced in 2008....."
Thought?
Regards, Malik
