New housing benefit changes go to Cabinet

Tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting seeks agreement for the introduction in Enfield of Local Housing Allowance (LHA), the most radical and far reaching change to the Housing Benefit (HB) system since its inception, and commences in April 2008.

LHA affects tenancies in the private sector, other than the tenants of Registered Social Landlords. Initially, claimants in the private sector will continue to be paid under Housing Benefit unless they move or have a break in their entitlement. In these circumstances they would move to LHA.

LHA is paid to the tenant rather than directly to landlords other than in exceptional circumstances, whereas most Housing Benefit payments for private tenants are currently paid directly to landlords.

It gives more choice as tenants can take on greater responsibility and choose how to spend their income in a similar way to people who are not in receipt of benefits. They can choose to rent a larger property, or spend less on housing and increase their available income.

To find out more call 020 8379 1000 or e-mail lha@enfield.gov.uk

This document was last updated on 2008-02-05 16:47:11 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132332