Quote:
Originally Posted by nomadking
It's a matter of putting things in the proper perspective. As I pointed out many people have ALWAYS received housing benefit money directly, so not a new issue and is unrelated to UC. The increase in the number of people getting direct payments started in 2008 under Labour.
The weekly rent with monthly benefit situation means that they have to keep aside a bit of the monthly payment to pay for the 5th week rent payment that occurs in certain months. No different to being in a monthly paid job.That is the rationale behind monthly payments.
Perhaps there needs to be a faster initial assessment where it can quickly be determined that they are entitled to some money, but the exact amount will take longer to establish. That could mean a smaller amount could be paid out as once(or may still) existed with housing benefit, ie if the council took longer than 2 weeks, you received £50/week in the meantime.
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What was done by Labour in 2008 to increase more payments direct to claimants?
Under HB the claimant had the choice of who the money went to, under UC it's paid to the claimant regardless (unless they are over 8 weeks in arrears). The old system was better as claimants with finely tuned budgets or who have difficulties budgeting for whatever reason, could have their rent paid directly to the landlord to prevent arrears building up.
Under HB there has always been provision to make a 'payment on account' for private and housing association tenants whilst the claim is properly assessed.