Havebury warns about effects of Welfare Reform Act
Wednesday, 25th July 2012.
Tenants of Haverhill's biggest housing provider, Haverbury Housing Partnership, are being urged to inform them of any personal changes in light of new welfare rules.
The Welfare Reform Act, which was passed in March, represents the biggest change to the benefit system for over 60 years.
New rules include the introduction of a Universal Credit to be paid directly to the claimant rather than the landlord and a 'bedroom tax', also known as under-occupancy.
Havebury Chief Executive Karen Mayhew said: “The implications of the Welfare Reform Act will affect many of our tenants in a variety of ways. One of the main changes includes a reduction in housing benefit in certain circumstances.
“For example, if you are of working age, are in receipt of housing benefit and have bedrooms which are not in use for that purpose, you may be at risk of your benefit being reduced.
"Tenants will need to consider how they will make up any reductions to avoid arrears in their rent in this instance.”
She added: “We cannot promise that our tenants will not face difficulties as a result of welfare changes but we can promise to try to help as much as possible.
"To do this, we would ask tenants to keep us informed so we can advise them of any possible reductions in their benefit entitlement. We can also advise on how tenants can maximise their income, employability and enhance their training opportunities.”
To this end, Havebury has introduced Keep In Touch, an initiative urging tenants to inform them of any change in personal circumstance.
This could include having a baby, an elderly relative moving in or a child finishing full-time education. It is also essential that Havebury has correct dates of birth for all occupants.
Mrs Mayhew said: “It is better for tenants to check if they are going to be affected rather than wait until they get into difficulty before asking for help.
"We have a dedicated team to support them, so we really would encourage them to get in touch to establish whether or not they will be affected.”
Havebury tenants are invited to contact welfare and benefits advisor Paul Finch on 0300 3300 900 or ask their rents advisor for an appointment.
They can also call worklessness advisor Sarah-Jane Hatt or learning and employment advisor Lisa Abery-Henning for advice and support in finding work or training opportunities.
The Welfare Reform Act, which was passed in March, represents the biggest change to the benefit system for over 60 years.
New rules include the introduction of a Universal Credit to be paid directly to the claimant rather than the landlord and a 'bedroom tax', also known as under-occupancy.
Havebury Chief Executive Karen Mayhew said: “The implications of the Welfare Reform Act will affect many of our tenants in a variety of ways. One of the main changes includes a reduction in housing benefit in certain circumstances.
“For example, if you are of working age, are in receipt of housing benefit and have bedrooms which are not in use for that purpose, you may be at risk of your benefit being reduced.
"Tenants will need to consider how they will make up any reductions to avoid arrears in their rent in this instance.”
She added: “We cannot promise that our tenants will not face difficulties as a result of welfare changes but we can promise to try to help as much as possible.
"To do this, we would ask tenants to keep us informed so we can advise them of any possible reductions in their benefit entitlement. We can also advise on how tenants can maximise their income, employability and enhance their training opportunities.”
To this end, Havebury has introduced Keep In Touch, an initiative urging tenants to inform them of any change in personal circumstance.
This could include having a baby, an elderly relative moving in or a child finishing full-time education. It is also essential that Havebury has correct dates of birth for all occupants.
Mrs Mayhew said: “It is better for tenants to check if they are going to be affected rather than wait until they get into difficulty before asking for help.
"We have a dedicated team to support them, so we really would encourage them to get in touch to establish whether or not they will be affected.”
Havebury tenants are invited to contact welfare and benefits advisor Paul Finch on 0300 3300 900 or ask their rents advisor for an appointment.
They can also call worklessness advisor Sarah-Jane Hatt or learning and employment advisor Lisa Abery-Henning for advice and support in finding work or training opportunities.
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