Standard Local Housing Allowances: Representation to the Social Security Advisory Committee

By: Jenny Neuburger
Published: June 2003

Standard Local Housing Allowances: Representation to the Social Security Advisory Committee

Shelter believe the current system is unfair, poorly administered and complex, and is in clear need of reform.

The proposed scheme would:

  • remove a direct link between a person's housing benefit entitlement and their actual rent

  • remove the option of direct payments of housing benefit to landlords.  

Shelter had a number concerns and made a number of recommendations including:

  • removing the Single Room Rent restrictions

  • replacing the definition of a Broad Rental Market Area with a Local Rental Market Area

  • allowing claimants to retain the option of having housing benefit paid direct to their landlord.