‘Five Council’ Proposal Public Consultation

‘Five Council’ Proposal Public Consultation

Have your say on the future of councils in Essex.  Councils across Greater Essex are seeking public input on plans to replace the current Local Authority structure with fewer, larger unitary councils. 

Have your say in the consultation here

Local Housing Allowance

The rates below will remain until 31st March 2025.

Housing Allowance Rates
Number of bedrooms Category Weekly Amount
Shared room rate A £ 93.51
1 bedroom B £156.29
2 bedrooms C £201.37
3 bedrooms D £253.15
4 bedrooms E £310.68
5 bedrooms F £310.68

 

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) decides rent payments for people receiving Housing Benefit (HB). A flat rate allowance is used and is based on the size of the tenants household and the area in which they rent the property to decide the amount of benefit they receive.

Local Housing Allowance does not apply if;

  • you rent your property from the council
  • your landlord is a housing association
  • your rent has been registered as a 'fair rent'
  • your tenancy started before 1989
  • you live somewhere where you are provided with care, support or supervision
  • you live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
  • Local Housing Allowance may not apply if your rent includes an amount for meals

The amount of Housing Benefit you will get will depend on;

  • the numbers of bedrooms you need
  • the area you live in
  • any income you have and any savings held
  • whether you have someone who is not a dependant living with you

Local Housing Allowance Rates

We will pay Housing Benefit under the LHA scheme to tenants direct unless there are exceptional circumstances and fall within the Authorities 'Vulnerability Policy' or 'Safeguard Policy'.