Social Landlords Win Direct Payments Battle

Social landlords will continue to receive housing benefit payments directly under the government’s new welfare reforms. The Welfare Reform Bill includes a provision for the housing element of the new universal credit, which will combine all in-work benefits into a single payment, to be paid direct to the landlord. Housing associations had been concerned that they would see a rise in arrears if payments to cover rent went straight to tenants. They had warned that any rise in arrears would damage lender confidence in the sector. Read more on Inside Housing.