NLA COMMENT ON HOUSING BENEFIT REFORM
Barry Markham, Director of Regions, National Landlords Association, commenting on the Housing Benefit regulations laid before parliament today:
"The NLA welcomes the concessions the Government has included in the housing benefit regulations published today. They show a recognition of the impact these changes will have on tenants struggling to meet their housing costs.
"We welcome the Government's extra help for existing tenant, allowing more time for landlords and tenants to plan how they will deal with the impact of the Government's cuts. However, bringing forward the 30th percentile cut to April 2011 for new claimants will test how easily accessible rented housing will be for this group in need.
"The Government still needs to show how it will ensure that these tenants will be able to access at least the cheapest third of private rented properties and not be crowded out by other renters.
"We call on the Government to stick to the principle that direct payment to landlords should be used by local authorities where it supports a tenant in retaining or securing a tenancy. Whilst the Ministers are right to want tenants to be responsible for their financial situation, ensuring that rent arrears do not stop the provision of much needed rented accommodation in the private rented sector must remain a priority for the Government."
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