Fewer Service Charges to Be Covered By Benefits

Proposed new rules could lead to fewer service charges being covered by housing benefit, sector experts have warned.  Draft regulations for the universal credit redefine which service charges are eligible to be covered by housing benefit.  As a result of the change, lawyers and housing consultants warn that a host of service charges could no longer be covered by benefit. This would mean extra cost to tenants or landlords, or a reduction in services for tenants. 13 different types of charges would become ineligible under the new rules. These include charges for the maintenance of communal gardens, fire safety equipment, communal heating and lighting, lifts, door entry systems, children’s play areas, white goods, furniture and rubbish collection.  Read more on Inside Housing.