Thame and Chinnor Housing Benefit Fears

A County Councillor has expressed her fear that propsed changes in the way Housing Benefit is calculated will see local people worse off.
Cllr Dorothy Brown, who lives in Towersey, and represents Aston Rowant, is the Cabinet Member responsible for housing. She is concerned because The Rent Service (the government agency that provides a rental valuation service to local authorities and is part of the Dept of Work and Pensions)proposes to determine a Local Allowance that links this area with those in Aylesbury where rent levels are much lower.
The proposed changes, due to come into force from April next year, could mean that Housing Benefit levels will go down for Thame and Chinnor and recipients will not be able to rent in the private sector in these two areas, as their benefit will no longer cover the full market rent.
The county council fears that this could have serious implications, not only for the individuals concerned but also for the Council in meeting government targets on homelessness.
Cllr Dorothy Brown is quoted as saying:”These proposals will have a serious impact on vulnerable households who will not be able to afford to rent in Thame and Chinnor. Many of these people rely on local networks for support and will not be able to move to areas where rents are cheaper.
“This will lead to a reintroduction of temporary accommodation at a much higher cost to the Council.?

The Council has held meetings with the Rent Service to try and get this proposal changed and says that it will be writing to Boris Johnson, the MP for Thame and Chinnor, to ask him to take this issue up with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.