Thursday, 7 November 2013

Housing Benefit - Parliamentary Written Answer

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what housing needs of tenants claiming housing benefit can be met by the discretionary housing payment scheme; and whether a local authority can change its allocation policy within a financial year. 
Steve Webb: Housing costs which may be eligible for assistance via discretionary housing payment are comprised of rental liability, rent in advance, deposits and other lump sum costs associated with a housing need such as removal costs. Local authorities are able to amend their DHP allocation policy as required according to their assessment of local needs and in order to best reflect their particular circumstances and priorities. This may be within the financial year where appropriate. The Department provides comprehensive guidance to local authorities on administering DHP. A link to the guidance is included here:


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