§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what size of geographical area he will determine as appropriate in setting the standard local housing allowance to ensure that it properly reflects the local market; [118488]
(2) what plans he has to ensure that tenants' views are taken into account in the level set in their locality for the standard local housing allowance. [118491]
§ Malcolm WicksStandard local housing allowances in the 10 Pathfinder authorities will be calculated across a Broad Rental Market Area. This will be based on the current concept of a locality, which is used to determine Local Reference Rents and Single Room Rents.
As with localities, a Broad Rental Market Area will reflect a rent officer's judgment about the area in which someone could reasonably be expected to live while having access to amenities of a similar standard. Therefore, the area covered will depend on local conditions rather than pre-determined geographical size.
The information on which rent officers' decisions are based is collected from a wide range of sources. Although they are under no duty to formally consult with anyone when setting localities and calculating Local Reference Rents (or Single Room Rents), rent officers welcome discussion and information from any interested party. They currently do this by holding regular meetings with local landlords' forums and tenants' groups. Similarly, although there will be no duty for rent officers to consult with tenants or other third parties when setting Broad Rental Market Areas and calculating Standard Local Housing Allowances, they will continue to welcome discussion.