Posted in Uncategorized on January 9, 2009|
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Not terribly exciting but the Housing Benefit bulletin G24/2008 from the DWP to Local Authorities dated 22nd December 2008 contains the following bit of information which might be handy to some…
18 The Audit Commission has asked the DWP to remind LAs that a HB award must not be made until all relevant information and evidence has been gathered.
19 Where this prevents assessment of a claim within 14 days, LAs should consider making a payment on account in rent allowance cases. This note also reminds LAs of certain aspects regarding payments on account which have been highlighted by the Audit Commission.
20 A HB award cannot be made until all required information and evidence has been gathered. If a decision is made to award HB before all of the relevant information and evidence has been received, this may result in an incorrect payment the cost of which would have to be met by the LA.
21 Because an award must not be made until all evidence and information is received, there will always be claims which cannot be awarded within the target period of 14 days. The consequent delay in paying HB could lead to the threat of eviction for private and housing association tenants, and the HB regulations therefore provide for making payments on account of rent allowance to prevent this happening.
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