Rent Cards Could Avoid Direct Payment Problems

Housing benefit could be put on pre-payment cards to ensure it is spent on rent, a think tank has suggested.  In a report on pre-payment cards, Demos argues putting housing benefit payments onto a card would allow limits to be placed on how the money is spent, ensuring landlords get their rent. Pre-payment cards are currently used by local authorities to manage personal budgets in areas such as social care. Demos’ report looks at how they use could be extended, particularly with the introduction of universal credit this autumn.  Download a copy of the report from the Demos website.