Either or.. RA/Housing list

Graces7

Seems to vary from CWO to CWO

When my RA was last reviewed, they asked for bank statements which was easy and for a letter affirming I am on the local social housing list " as you have been renting for six months."

I have been renting many years...on RA for many of those in different areas.

Why do they insist on being on the housing list and can they legally make this a condition of RA?

I do not want a council house; happy where I am and because of medical issues could not live in a town.

I know I would have low priority thankfully and would be way down the long local list but all the same it niggles.

I am aware that CWOs do not always get things right; a few years ago they made me wait 7 months for RA until I was on the housing list although I had been renting and on RA elsewhere. It was a Welfare Officer I met socially who alerted me to that.

mrsbyrne

I don't know what you mean by "legally". The DSP change the conditions of many schemes every year in the Budget. The Budget is put before the Government as part of the Finance Bill, its invariably passed and the changes become enshrined in law.
The Government could abolish RA or any other scheme at the drop of a hat if they wanted.
For example they abolished Bereavement Grant and the Electricity Allowance just like that.
You say you are getting RA for years. It was never intended to be a long term payment, but a short term assistance while you waited for social housing.
As far as I'm concerned it is still 6 months renting or the housing list. Landlords now have to produce evidence of legal ownership etc.
It might be an idea for you and your landlord to look into getting involved in the RAS scheme. More security of tenure for you, the landlord and cutting out the CWO altogether.
The government intends to remove DSP from the whole housing picture soon anyway, and make the local authorities entirely responsible for all those who do not have the means to house themselves, so you would be wise to get in before that happens.

January

It's definitely one or the other not both. Although both are preferable you technically do not have to be on the social housing list to get RA if you have been renting privately for at least 6 months before that - but you have to prove that you were able to afford the house and now can't.

Graces7

January wrote: »

It's definitely one or the other not both. Although both are preferable you technically do not have to be on the social housing list to get RA if you have been renting privately for at least 6 months before that - but you have to prove that you were able to afford the house and now can't.

Thanks; this was the conclusion I had come to myself.

It is their telling me that BECAUSE I have renting six months I must now go on the housing list that puzzled me.

Graces7

mrsbyrne wrote: »

I don't know what you mean by "legally". The DSP change the conditions of many schemes every year in the Budget. The Budget is put before the Government as part of the Finance Bill, its invariably passed and the changes become enshrined in law.
The Government could abolish RA or any other scheme at the drop of a hat if they wanted.
For example they abolished Bereavement Grant and the Electricity Allowance just like that.
You say you are getting RA for years. It was never intended to be a long term payment, but a short term assistance while you waited for social housing.
As far as I'm concerned it is still 6 months renting or the housing list. Landlords now have to produce evidence of legal ownership etc.
It might be an idea for you and your landlord to look into getting involved in the RAS scheme. More security of tenure for you, the landlord and cutting out the CWO altogether.
The government intends to remove DSP from the whole housing picture soon anyway, and make the local authorities entirely responsible for all those who do not have the means to house themselves, so you would be wise to get in before that happens.

Thanks but most of this is irrelevant. No way would RAS be suitable here. For many reasons .
Given the length of waiting lists and my advanced age...and the medical isuses pertaining thereto also

On a worst case scenario it would mean some stage would have to pay full rent and stop eating, but by then my only accommodation needs would be be very hidden and six feet under,,,,;)