Hopes that the housing benefit system would be improved in the short or medium term were dashed this week as the government put out a lukewarm response to calls for change.
This week its response to the social security and select committee's report on housing benefit was described as very disappointing by the housing sector.

Calls for extra funding for housing benefit administration seem to have been sidelined, while the government has rejected a proposal to give RSLs a role in checking in verifying documentation supporting housing benefit claims.

The social security select committee concluded its inquiry into housing benefit reform with a report this summer which included 34 recommendations for change. The report was widely supported by the housing sector (Housing Today, 27 July).

But this week the Department of Social Security ruled out many of its key ideas.

In its response for the government, the DSS says: "The [committee] presents the government with proposals that would need to be costed and would require new legislation to realise. Some of its proposals could well add to - not reduce - the complexities of the scheme."

Sam Lister, policy officer at the Chartered Institute of Housing said: "Government doesn't appear to have got the message that simplification without creating losers is going to be costly."

Local Government Association head of housing Paul Lautman said: "We're very disappointed that the DSS did not give proper consideration to the committee's call for a review of the funding of local authorities - administration of housing benefit. As we have made clear to the department that good quality administration costs, and over the years the government has been escaping its responsibilities in this area."

National Housing Federation director of policy Liz Potter said: "This is an extremely disappointing response from government to the very challenging and thorough work carried out by the select committee. All those who submitted evidence to the committee - including local government - called for action on simplification and improvement to the system. It is time government took action."

Source

Housing Today