News from the RLA on Universal Credit-

Alan Ward
RLA Chairman

24^th Nov 2017

‘The RLA Campaigns Team is pleased to report that the Government has listened to us on Universal Credit – with Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke today confirming tenants who currently have housing benefit paid directly to their landlord, can continue this arrangement under Universal Credit.
 
The government has also scrapped the seven-day wait for claimants to apply for Universal Credit – a move which will help some tenants avoid getting into arrears and an issue the RLA had raised specifically with Mr Gauke.
 
This is a significant victory for the RLA following long term campaigning, fighting for reforms to make the system fairer for both landlords and tenants ‘

Restoring confidence
 
The changes announced in the budget go some way to restoring the confidence of landlords in renting homes to those claiming benefits - and the comfort of knowing that those who have housing benefit direct payments in place will be allowed to continue with the arrangement under Universal Credit.
 

For more information on the this please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-detail-on-15-billion-package-of-support-for-universal-credit