Welfare Benefits Rent Arrears 2020-09-14
2020-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Rent arrears are increasing, with an estimated 125,000 people in rental arrears. Many receive universal credit or housing benefit.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that welfare benefits for rent are paid to landlords to prevent rental arrears building up. I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. He is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate on housing issues, and alternative payment arrangements can be requested by the tenant, landlord or work coach.
Alternative payment arrangements are available for private landlords. A new online system was introduced in May for direct payments from tenants on universal credit to their landlords. Landlords can request this directly, but further exploration is possible if more steps are needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific issue of 125,000 people in arrears and the £440 million gap between what landlords believe they are owed and what tenants have paid.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Rent arrears are increasing, with an estimated 125,000 people in rental arrears. Many receive universal credit or housing benefit.
What steps can he take to ensure that rent will be paid to landlords and prevent spiralling debts that are impossible for people to repay?
Alternative payment arrangements such as direct payments can be requested by tenants, landlords or work coaches. The Minister regularly meets with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific steps to prevent spiralling debts for people in arrears.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Many tenants on universal credit experience a net fall of income by 40% when starting claims. One in eight tenants have built up arrears, with a £440 million gap between what landlords believe they are owed and what tenants have paid.
What immediate steps can the Minister take to deal with these structural problems, particularly the waiting period for universal credit?
There is no wait for universal credit; people can get an advance immediately. Over £9.3 billion has been injected into the welfare system, recognising the difficult time for those on low incomes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address structural problems or waiting period issues in universal credit leading to arrears.
Response accuracy