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I’ve had a number of calls recently regarding the 9 months transitional period concerning the announced changes to LHA from April 2011. Most enquiries are in relation to a letter from the local authority giving examples and it would seem most examples either conflict or differ between authorities. I thought therefore we would produce some guidance as to how the transitional period works. What’s changing? As a quick summary, the following...

The Department of Work and Pensions (“DWP”) have published housing benefit circular HB/CTB A4/2011 which advises local authority staff on how to make decisions under the new direct payment provisions which commence in April 2011. What’s changing? From 6 April 2011, the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 are amended to include a new “discretionary” direct payment to landlords. Regulation 96(3A)(b) (circumstances when payment “may” be...

There are many news stories appearing on-line about a new local housing allowance calculator available on Windows (not on mac). It is being described as an “inexpensive” solution to calculating LHA rates and it calculates rates for claims before and after April 2011. The cost of the software is £125.00 + VAT and I wonder if anyone can tell me what this does that can’t be done for free on-line? If you use the valuation office website...