The government's housing benefit reforms have received a mixed welcome from the 10 authorities asked to pilot them. Most responded positively, but Tendring council in Essex decided not to take part in the scheme.
And as Housing Today went to press, it emerged that some of the IT firms involved are worried about the timing of the pilot, which will begin at the same time as the new pension credits are introduced.

Jill Coleshaw, head of revenues and benefits at Tendring, said they were having a new IT system installed and "felt [doing the pilot] would put other things at risk".

A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said a replacement authority had not yet been chosen. She added the department was aware of the concerns of IT firms and would be flexible about the start date.

Lewisham, Edinburgh, North East Lincolnshire and Teignbridge councils have decided to take part in the test of the new system, under which a flat rate of benefit will be paid direct to tenants. Brighton is expected to say yes at the end of the week.

Conwy, Coventry, Leeds and Middlesbrough were also asked to join the pilot last month but have not yet responded (HT 31 October, page 10).