Benefit rights — private renters

Almost 40% of the annual £25bn housing benefit bill is paid to private landlords, who often get away with charging extortionate rents for poor quality housing. Tenants asking for repairs or furniture have been threatened with eviction or harassed, so it is important to know your rights. Groups that support tenants and also campaign, are: … Read more

Benefit rights — bedroom tax

Since 2013, the government reduced Housing Benefit (HB) to people in social housing who have one or more “spare” rooms. (Social housing is council, housing association or similar. Councils administering HB make the cut.) The government gives councils extra funds called Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) to help tenants in hardship due to the bedroom tax. … Read more

Council Tax help

Discounts, reductions and exemptions from paying Council Tax You can pay less Council Tax, for various reasons.  This can include: being the only adult in the property. being a young adult between 18-19 years of age. being a full-time student. being an apprentice. being temporarily away from your home — check with your Council. having … Read more