There is real concern amongst landlords of those on benefits, whether they are private or social landlords.At least 3 changes make it likely that rents will not get paid:1 Claimants will get less, often quite a lot less.2 They will be paid monthly and have to budget a whole month3 There is no longer a facility for rents to be paid direct from the benefit systemNot all benefit recipients are lazy scroungers who keep the blinds drawn. Come to think of it, very few are. Far more are 'vulnerable' to use the approved term - physically or mentally handicapped, suffering from mental illness, single parents with part time work etc.Even if you accept that benefits should be reduced (I don't) why on earth do you introduce these other changes at the same time. Someone who used to post on this forum gave various chapters of the story of her mentally handicapped stepsister (I think) who had never been capable of holding a job - not through choice, but because she didn't have the mental capacity - who was suddenly assessed by ATOS as being capable for work. At this stage she was in her late 50s and had never worked in her life. She had kept out of institutional care (which would have cost a lot more) by living off invalidity etc benefits. Her level of mental capacity was such that, if she went into a shop, she just handed over her purse and asked them to take the right amount.She was personally very friendly and vulnerable to anybody who took an interest for good or nefarious reasons. Of course the assessment was overturned on appeal, but what hope is there for her to survive in this brave new world?By the way, Hounslow Council are preparing for the change by working with your friendly neighbourhood Credit Union (plug alert) www.thamesbank.org (of which I am hon. treasurer) to provide 'jam jar' and credit union current accounts to help people survive this pernicious change.
Guy Lambert ● 4410d