The proposed changes in paying housing benefit, which Brighton and Hove is to try as part of a trial, concern me greatly.
At present, the figure for rent used to determine how much benefit should be paid is far below the going market rate for rents.
It would be impossible to rent privately, with the corresponding rate set, the size of property that Brighton and Hove City Council officers calculate is needed for a family.
All reports I see on this say people can keep the difference if they pay less yet I suspect the opposite will be the case - that is, people will be forced to pay more out of their own pockets.
Indeed, many will not be able to and will instead have to resort to substandard properties or share with whoever will take them in.
-Drew Tinsley, Crestway, Portslade
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