Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

if I was being perverse, then I would like to see the govt extend Right to Buy [on the same terms] to tenants living private rented accomodation.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

Like other people have, l would like to thank Graham for having the guts to come on here, unlike others.
Your perspective has been interesting, and your personal concern admirable.
lf l had a baby, you wouldn't have to kiss it, you'd already have my vote if l was in your ward.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

Housing Benefit [DHSS dont pay for Housing, the Gov't does through local Councils] have an absolute limit of £60 and £65 per week [couples, families, vulnerable] in the private rented sector locally. Single people it is most likely a maximum of £45 and for under 25s less again. There are very few single person flats in the borough and those forced to live in family accomodation still are only entitled to single persons allowance. Homelessness, mainly due to broken families, is 3 times greater than the supply of Council Houses.

All those people paying and £80 and £90+ are having to pay a 'top up' out of the reminder of their benefits. HB pay full rent on RSL properties only. The private rented sector is bigger that the Council Housing Sector for rented accomodation. RSLs make up the other 20%. In reality there are no Council Houses left [the turnover is so low that if you are on the waiting list, your unlikely to get one] except voids.

Many landlords coudn't give a toss about their tenants or the neighbours.[/QUOTE

How is it then that a bunch of dossers managed to get one of the houses on the old rists site as i remember seeing then up for rent a few times at 150p/w and cant see people like that being willing to use there dole to live in a nicer house

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

RSLs dont charge that much and arent in that £150pw market, therefore it must be a private rent. That means a £65 ceiling family rent, the rest is their problem. I guess somehow, through a combination of several dole cheques [but living together will sqeeze that unless they are dependents, elderly family or kids eg], work [which would knock out the benefits] and foreigners they find the cash.

If anyone is illegally claiming, or you suspect then ring up Housing Benefit Fraud at HBC right way, no hesitation. They have are very active in persuant of dodgers and work with DHSS. Not many fiddle but those that do are an absolute disgrace to themselves and everyone else. Plenty more sponge and its about time the govt had a crackdown.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

That would kill off the buy to let market in a stroke.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

I reported a few cases when I was working there, but nothing was done about it because it wasn't worth their while.

I didn't bother after that, but I wouldn't dissuade anyone else from reporting things.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

Thompson & Partners, Blackburn Rd Acc and Eafield & Maple Blackburn Rd Acc - trust me I work in Housing Advice.

Re: Renting Property in Accrington
 

you know your stuff