Introduction

Help with rent

On 2 July 2001, a Discretionary Housing Payment (now housing payment) scheme was introduced, giving local authorities power to provide financial assistance to claimants with their housing costs. Funding for this assistance is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and ring fenced for people who receive Housing Benefit (HB), or Universal Credit (UC) where the housing costs element is included in their current award. The Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001 give local authorities the discretion to decide how this funding will be distributed.

The scheme provides discretionary help where the customer has a shortfall between their HB or UC and the rent they must pay for reasons such as (but not limited to):

  • reductions in HB or UC where the benefit cap has been applied
  • reductions in HB or UC due to the maximum rent (social sector) size criteria (“bedroom tax”)
  • reductions in HB or UC as a result of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) restrictions

Funding is limited and customers do not have a statutory right to a payment.

Help with Council Tax

In addition to Stockport Council’s local Council Tax Support Scheme, the council can reduce the amount a person has to pay towards their Council Tax, under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. A reduction may be considered appropriate where:

  • exceptional circumstances and financial hardship can be demonstrated
  • taxpayers are affected by Stockport’s local Council Tax Empty Property Discount Scheme and payment will cause financial hardship
  • residents who, through no fault of their own, receive an increased bill due to receiving too much Council Tax Support

All awards are at the discretion of the council.

Policy aims

To enable Stockport residents to secure or keep appropriate accommodation. This will primarily be achieved by providing short term financial help to people while they improve their financial situation, such as finding work, getting debt advice, or finding more affordable accommodation. The policy is also intended to support people who have little scope to change their personal circumstances.

To ensure that discretionary awards contribute to the council’s aims and objectives for the Borough’s development and promote social inclusion for all Stockport residents while not subsidising poor accommodation, not encouraging irresponsible behaviour, or disadvantaging other charge payers in the borough.

Discretionary awards towards Council Tax costs should not undermine the purpose and nature of the local Council Tax Support scheme or local Empty Property Discount Scheme.

We will consider each application in line with the council’s corporate aims and objectives. Each case will be treated strictly on its merits and all claimants will receive equal and fair treatment.

The council is committed to joint working with other partners and organisations to increase entitlement to all Welfare Benefits and will reflect this in managing discretionary support for rent and Council Tax.