MPs JOIN FIGHT FOR TENANTS RIGHTS (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

MPs JOIN FIGHT FOR TENANTS RIGHTS

January 26, 2009 6:00 PM

Cornish MPs joined representatives of the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association (CRLA) today to present a petition to Downing Street.

The Association is calling on the government to restore the right of tenants to nominate payment of rent, by way of housing benefit, directly to their landlords. This right has been taken away from tenants with the introduction of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

Under the new scheme, tenants manage payments to their Landlords themselves - regardless of whether or not they want to. The CRLA are concerned that landlords may not be paid by vulnerable tenants unable to manage their finances, or by those who do not have a bank account.

Concerns have also been expressed that these changes to the payment of housing benefit will have an inevitable effect on residents as landlords decide not to house tenants on benefits.

Commenting, Ruth Clarke, presenting the petition on behalf of the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association, said:

"Too many tenants, through no fault of their own, are losing their tenancy agreements despite not being classified as vulnerable. I hope the government takes notice of this petition and heeds the advice of the thousands of people who have signed it."

Julia Goldsworthy added:

"All the Cornish MPs support this petition from the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association. One of the main problems with the Local Housing Allowance is that many tenants in receipt of housing benefit can't get bank accounts so will not be able to receive their benefits directly.

"Whilst we support the empowerment of local people to control their own lives, the government must ensure vulnerable tenants get the support and protection they need, accompanied by proper financial advice."