Fewer service charges to be covered by benefits
Carl Brown of Inside Housing notes that sector experts have warned that proposed new rules could lead to fewer service charges being covered by housing benefit. Draft regulations for the universal credit, expected to come before parliament in the autumn following a consultation, redefine which service charges are eligible to be covered. Currently regulations list 10 types of service charge which are not eligible. The new regulations turns this on its head and instead lists just three types of charges which are eligible. As a result of the change, lawyers and housing consultants warn that a host of service charges could no longer be covered by benefit. This would mean extra cost to tenants or landlords, or a reduction in services for tenants.
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