Housing associations expect their rent arrears to increase by more than half as a result of the government’s welfare reforms.
A survey of 232 housing associations conducted by Ipsos Mori for the National Housing Federation has found on average registered providers expect arrears to rise by 51 per cent. If this is extrapolated across the sector it will mean an increase of £245 million.
There is some concern that no announcement was made on housing benefit for the under 25's in the Autumn Statement, but we all know that the government is looking at a plethora of ways to reduce the massive deficit we inherited from the previous Labour government in a way that is fair and responsible to everyone.
The cost of housing benefit in our country almost doubled under the last government from £11 billion in 1999 to £21 billion in 2010, and in tough economic times it is not fair that those striving to make ends meet, also pay for the housing of those who can live at home. In some cases, housing benefit has trapped people in poverty and created a culture of entitlement.
Barnsley is heading for a benefits crisis which could see thousands fall into debt and rent arrears across the borough reach record levels.
That grim warning comes from Jackie Walker, senior official at the Barnsley branch of the South Yorkshire Credit Union.
A Metropolitan police officer convicted of housing benefit fraud has been sacked from the force.
PC Stephen Holt, 43, had pleaded guilty to two criminal charges and was sentenced to do 200 hours community service at a hearing last month.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has called for the national regulation of private landlords and letting agents.
He wants to see a national register of landlords, while he wants agents to be transparent and upfront about their ‘confusing’ fees.
Labour leader MP Ed Miliband has pledged to protect the rights of private renters as part of his party's 'One Nation' philosophy.
In a speech to the Fabian Society, Mr Miliband highlighted the potentially divisive rift between private renters and homeowners.
Other councils should not even think about introducing blanket licensing of private rental properties until it is clear how the controversial Newham scheme is faring.
The call has come from London letting agent Robert Nichols, director of Edmund Cude, which manages properties in Newham.
MPs have approved the controversial Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill following a fiery debate in the House of Commons.
The bill, which will cap rises in a number of benefits at 1 per cent, passed by 328 votes to 262.
MPs will vote today on the Government's plans to place a 1% cap on working-age benefit rises - but have been warned that the changes are "likely to lead to increased homelessness".
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has argued that such a cap would be "unsustainable" and will lead to many tenants facing eviction as they find themselves unable to pay their rents.
One million people have used a payday loan to help pay for their rent or mortgage over the past 12 months, according to research published by Shelter.
The charity is stressing the dangers of turning to short-term, high interest credit as a way to help meet housing costs.