Deposit Cap Means Renters Could Be Owed Refund

Renters in England could be in line for one-off payments of £117.90 on average if they renew their tenancy, Generation Rent analysis reveals. But as tenants who move must find a new deposit before getting their existing one back, the campaign is calling on the government to free up more of tenants’ cash before they move to make the process less stressful. With the government call for evidence on tenancy deposits closing this Thursday (5th Sept), Generation Rent is calling on ministers to enable renters to access some of their deposit to put down on a new home once the final month’s rent is paid. Read more on 24housing.

https://www.24housing.co.uk/news/deposit-cap-means-renters-could-be-owed-refund/

Haringey Hands £15m From The Sale Of Council Homes Back To The Government

As Haringey did not manage to spend the money raised through right-to-buy sales on new affordable housing, they are now being forced to send it back. Under new rules for all right-to-buy sales after April 2012, net receipts must be spent on replacement affordable homes within three years, or handed back to the government with interest. In the last three years, Haringey has accumulated almost £25m from the sale of council houses. In July, Haringey sent back almost £15m to the government, as well as an interest of £980,000. Gloria Saffrey, Director of Caris, a housing charity in Haringey, said “The 15 million money could be invested to provide secure accommodation for families in temporary accommodation because of homelessness.” Read more on the Ham&High website.

Bedroom Tax Refund for 267 Nottingham Households

More than £170,000 is to be handed back to 267 households in Nottingham after a loophole in housing benefit changes introduced last April. The so-called "bedroom tax" means people who are deemed to under-occupy their homes by one bedroom losing 14 per cent of their housing benefit. For two bedrooms, this rises to 25 per cent. The Government says the benefit changes are necessary to deal with the country's finances and around 5,500 people in the city were affected. However, a loophole in the legislation meant those who have been receiving housing benefit continuously since 1996 should not have been liable for the under-occupancy charge. This money will now be refunded. Read more on the Nottingham Post website.