Petition Calls for Rethink on Direct Payment

Private landlords have set up a petition urging the government to rethink its approach to making housing benefit payments direct to tenants. A petition started on the government’s e-petition website by landlord portal BTLExpert argues payments should switch to landlords if tenants fall behind on rent.

Under the government’s welfare reforms payments will be combined into a single benefit, universal credit. The element of this that covers housing costs will be paid direct to the tenant, rather than to the landlord.  The petition says this will increase the likelihood of private landlords refusing to take tenants who are claiming housing benefit, increasing pressure on councils and housing associations. Read more on Inside Housing.