Changes to Housing and Council Tax Benefit

From April 2011, the way that local housing allowance is calculated will be changing.

The changes

From 1 April 2011 the Government plans to:

• increase deductions for non-dependents,
• end the maximum £15 weekly housing benefit excess that some customers can receive under current arrangements,
• remove the five bedroom allowance rate so that the maximum level is for a four bedroom property,
• introduce absolute caps so that weekly allowance rates in any area cannot exceed:

· £250 for a one bedroom property

· £290 for a two bedroom property

· £340 for a three bedroom property

· £400 for a four bedroom property

• reduce all allowance rates meaning that less properties that are available for rent in the area will be affordable to people on housing benefit,
• change the housing benefit rules to help disabled people who have a carer.  From 1 April, where an applicant rents a property which has a bedroom for a carer who stays overnight but who doesn’t normally live with there, the housing benefit will take into account of the cost of the additional room.

For further information on the changes and how they might affect you please see our frequently asked questions (68.4 KB)  sheet.

If you require further assistance, please contact the Benefits section.