I live in a housing association shared ownership property and am moving from ESA and HB to UC. My landlord (housing association) has told UC a lower figure for my service charge than what I actually pay - they have not included the £20.83/month contribution to the "sinking fund". My Housing Benefit has always covered the sinking fund. It pays for things that would otherwise become eligible charges anyway, like cyclical maintenance. I have to tell UC that I agree with my landlord, or persuade my landlord to change the figure. Is there any way I can get this charge covered by UC, as it always has been by HB?
This is a complicated area. Fortunately Housing Associations usually have a Financial Inclusion officer or if not called, that a Tenancy Support officer. It would be best to ask advice there, where the Housing Association would have experience of similar queries from their tenant base.
Hope this helps. David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
