Welfare Reform Impact Assessment

A survey of 232 housing associations has found on average registered providers expect arrears to rise by 51 per cent. Paying housing benefit direct to tenants rather than landlords is expected to have the biggest impact, with more than 80 per cent of housing associations saying this will affect them significantly. Twenty two per cent said the changes will make it harder for them to meet their loan covenants, with 10 per cent of those involved in the affordable homes programme saying direct payment will make it harder for them to deliver their house building commitments.  The under-occupation penalties for working-age families on housing benefit are the next greatest issue, with 60 per cent of associations raising concerns. This rises to 80 per cent for landlords operating in Yorkshire and Humberside, the east midlands, and east of England.  Download a copy of the report from the NHF website.