Universal Credit Inquiry Echoes Findings from Direct Payments Trials

Landlords will need to provide a range of payment options for their tenants to help safeguard their rental income under Universal Credit. The conclusions from the Work and Pensions select committee inquiry into Universal Credit are consistent with some of the early findings from the Government’s direct payment demonstration projects. In summary, the committee of MPs believe that the new system will be “effective for the majority of claimants” but that current plans “don’t take account of some of the more vulnerable benefit claimants”. It warns the shift to monthly payments would disrupt weekly and fortnightly budgeting patterns and calls for social tenants currently having their housing benefit paid directly to their landlord to retain the choice during the initial phases of Universal Credit.  Read more on 24dash.