News

“Starter Payments” would prevent rent arrears on UC

A new report from the work and pensions select committee highlights that people in receipt of Universal Credit are at greater risk of falling into rent arrears, which is pushing those who are already facing difficulties into further debt and leaving them reliant on food banks.

Preventing APAs will be detrimental to tenants on UC

This week, Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey took questions from the Economic Affairs Committee on the economics of Universal Credit. As part of this she told MPs that she does not want to see a return to the widespread use of direct rent payments to landlords with tenants in receipt of housing benefit, despite praising the new online Alternative Payment Arrangement system which makes setting up direct payments much quicker.

Universal Credit: Guidance for Landlords on APAs

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published updated guidance for landlords with tenants in receipt of Universal Credit, providing information on Alternative Payment Arrangements for Universal Credit claimants who cannot manage their single monthly payment.