News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members other artilces from the June / July 2003 issue RPI news archive

HB reform moves ahead - June / July 2003

Draft regulations allowing local authorities in 10 pathfinder areas to set local 'standard local housing allowances' have been referred to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

Outlined in last year's proposals for overhaul of the housing benefit system, the new flat rate allowances will be paid directly to tenants who will be able to pocket any saving made by finding less expensive housing.

The pathfinder councils are to be Brighton and Hove, Conwy, Coventry, Edinburgh, Leeds, Lewisham, Middlesbrough, NE Lincolnshire, Teignbridge and Tendring.

The Government has said the new system could be adopted nationally by 2005.
 

other artilces from the June / July 2003 issue

• Victims of unfriendly fire
• Empty homes take over
• Little satisfaction in council complaints
• HB reform moves ahead
• HB reform moves ahead
• House prices still climbing
• Empire builder's charter
• Demand grows stronger
• In brief