Please note that as a result of the changes brought about by the Welfare Reform Act 2013 Registered Providers will give preference when allocating properties to those households who will ‘fully occupy’ the property as defined by the Government regulations. This means that shortlists may be distorted and may not reflect your true position on the shortlist. Successful applicants will be contacted in the normal way by the organisation making the allocation.
Guidance on full occupation:
From April 2013 all current and future working age tenants renting from a Local Authority, Housing Association or other Registered Social Landlord will no longer receive help towards the costs of a spare room. They will receive help towards their housing costs based on the need of their household.
The new rules allow 1 bedroom for each person or couple living as part of the household with the following exceptions:
Children who cannot share a bedroom because of a disability or medical condition may be entitled to an extra room. Claimants will need to contact their Local Authority and will be asked for medical evidence to support their claim.
On 12 March 2013 we clarified how these rules affect foster carers and armed forces personnel.
The new rules mean that those tenants whose accommodation is larger than they need may lose part of the money they get towards their housing through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Their eligible rent will be reduced by:
Additional Guidance for Applicants Produced by Cumbria Choice Partner Landlords:
Accent Welfare Reform Guidance Statement
Barrow Borough Council Welfare Reform Guidance Statement
Eden Housing Welfare Reform Guidance Statement
Impact Housing Welfare Reform Guidance Statement
South Lakes Housing Welfare Reform Guidance Statement