Response 3885716

Response to request for information

Reference

3885716

Response date

30 January 2026

Request

1. The policy or procedure for checking the legitimacy of service charges where a resident is claiming benefits to cover them.
2. The number of housing benefit or universal credit claimants whose service charges are paid directly to their landlord, including where this is a single payment incorporating rents plus service charges.
3. The proportion of the above whose landlords are housing associations, if recorded.

Response

1. The policy or procedure for checking the legitimacy of service charges where a resident is claiming benefits to cover them.
   • Each claim is looked at on its own merits – more detailed analysis is undertaking for providers of exempt accommodation and evidence is required for each element of the service charge to validate the amount charged. No analysis is undertaking for Housing Associations. 
2. The number of housing benefit or universal credit claimants whose service charges are paid directly to their landlord, including where this is a single payment incorporating rents plus service charges.
   • We do not record this information.
3. The proportion of the above whose landlords are housing associations, if recorded.
   • Not applicable