Six Demonstration Projects are being set up to trial direct payments to Housing Benefit claimants living in social sector housing Lord Freud, the Minister for Welfare Reform has announced. The change will come into force under Universal Credit from 2013 and is designed to help claimants make the transition to work and take responsibility for their own finances. Lord Freud is calling for local authorities and housing associations to get involved by volunteering to play a key role in the Projects.

Lord Freud said: "It is vital that we close the gulf between being out of work and having a job. And this means benefit claimants have to manage their own finances, including paying rent – so when they do find work it’s easier to leave the safety of the welfare system. "Increasing the number of social rented sector tenants who are in work can only be a positive thing. For tenants, work can bring increased wealth, stability, improved health and well-being and can encourage people to have a greater stake in their communities. For landlords, higher employment can mean better........Read more on this story----> CCR Magazine - Social sector tenants will be responsible for paying landlords direct under Universal Credit