New powers have been enacted to allow social landlords – but not private ones – to access information on benefits claimants.
A highly controversial Statutory Instrument has been laid and will come into effect next week, on February 13.
As well as giving social landlords access, local councils, Citizens Advice, credit unions and charities will be able to view information on Universal Credit claimants.
The information will include details of debts and the stated aim is to allow public bodies to offer financial advice and support.
However, private landlords and letting agents will not be able to view information which could, if known, make the difference between a decision to accept or reject a private tenant receiving housing benefit.
The Government has been consulting on the proposals, which were attacked by a national tenant body, the Tenants and Residents Organisations of England.
It said the proposals went too far and were “very dangerous”.
Comments (2)
For letting agents it would appear they need to keep a close eye on these subjects, as it is starting to look like "Social housing tenants" are not going to be something they may not want to get involved in anymore. Some already say they have seen the light and stepped out of that market. Social Landlords (ie Housing Associations) are nothing more than privatised council bedfellows. If the rumblings over lettings concerns continue, there is likely to be a major shortage of housing for those on benefits. The public sector has always NEEDED the private sector support, but they seem to be shooting themselves in the foot. A change in government will not only be a disaster for the private lettings industry but have a major knock on for those retiring and wanting to invest.
Simple, let the social landlords deal with that side of the market and private landlords stay out of the benefits market! If private landlords take on the benefits tenants social landlords will not accept they will take unacceptable risks for which extra high rents would be the only incentive.