1. LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE The story so far ………….. Ann Hinder Senior Benefits Officer

2. Local Housing Allowance Rates

3. February 2009 rates Amount April 08 Shared room rate54.17 50.00 I bedroom rate86.54 85.38 2 bedroom rate100.00 101.53 3 bedroom rate105.00 113.07 4 bedroom rate150.00 125.76 5 bedroom rate201.92 159.23

4. Current Cases 1160 customers currently being paid under Local Housing Allowance 127 cases are paid direct to Landlord under one of our policies (11%)  8 weeks rent arrears  Habitual non payer  Vulnerable

5. How do we compare to other LA’s? Name of Local Authority Percentage of direct to landlord payments Bridgend4% Cardiff22% Caerphilly9% Carmarthenshire9% Swansea10% Vale of Glam.9% Powys6%

6. Appeals Received 270 requests for direct payment Granted 127 requests 1 appeal waiting to be heard by the Tribunal Service A landlord can appeal against a decision not to make payment direct  Must provide evidence, documentation to support the appeal.

7. Questions ? ?????????????????? ??????