Councils Increase Benefit Payment Frequency

Several local authorities in the north east are to pay housing benefit every two weeks instead of four, to help tenants avoid eviction. Councils in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and Hull have proposed the changes after a report showed some benefits claimants are falling behind on payments. The councils have found that many tenants are spending their rent on other things and are risking eviction. By increasingly the frequency of the benefit, it is hoped that tenants will have better control over their finances. The councils hope to reduce the time spent on resolving landlord complaints, and reduce the number of people presenting themselves as homeless. Read more on Inside Housing.