Maidenhead & Windsor

It's all change in April to the way in which Windsor and Maidenhead housing benefit allowance for private tenants is calculated and paid.

The new local housing allowance (LHA) scheme applies to anyone who makes a new claim at a privately rented address, or has a break in their claim, after April 6. People in private rented accommodation in receipt of housing benefit who have no change in their circumstances will remain on the existing scheme.

Currently claimants can choose to have their benefit paid to themselves or their landlord. The new arrangements mean LHA will always be paid to the tenant unless they are vulnerable or unable to manage their own financial affairs.

At present rent levels are assessed on each individual property by a rent officer. From April 7 each local authority area will be divided into broad rental market areas. LHA rates based on the number of rooms within a property will then be set for each broad rental market area. These rates will then be published by the local authority so that landlords and prospective LHA customers can be clear about the amount of rent that LHA will cover.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "Local housing allowance is a simpler way of calculating and administering housing benefit and as such is to be welcomed. It also allows individuals to take responsibility for their own rent payments."

Information is also available from the borough's benefits section by calling 01628 796036, faxing 01628 685716, emailing benefits@rbwm.gov.uk, writing to Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, PO Box 6464, Maidenhead, SL6 1XP, or visiting the customer service centres at Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead and York House, Sheet Street, Windsor.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead