January 2018

Housing Rights' Housing Champions Project

30 January 2018

In 2017, Housing Rights sought out to enhance the housing advice service provided to black and ethnic minority (BME) communities in Northern Ireland through a peer project with the support of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Housing Champions project long-term goals are to equip BME communities with the information they need to make informed and appropriate housing decisions, and know how to access better quality housing.

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Minority Groups

Judicial Review - requirement to be ‘prompt’ in proceedings removed

30 January 2018

As from the 8th January 2018 the rules concerning judicial review procedure have changed. On this date The Rules of the Court of Judicature (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) 2017 became operative and omitted reference to ‘promptly and in any event.’

The impact of this change

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Regulation, Case law, Legal

Strabane and Lisnagelvin have Universal Credit introduced

16 January 2018

Strabane and Lisnagelvin will be the fourth area in Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 17 January 2018.

This new benefit will replace Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and income related Employment and Support Allowance. Anyone of working age who gets these benefits will be affected.

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Benefits, Money Matters

Assistance with rates for Universal Credit claimants

15 January 2018

Housing Rights has produced a short video to encourage Universal Credit claimants to apply for a rate rebate to help with rates payments. Universal Credit does not provide for any assistance with rates payments. Instead, people receiving Universal Credit will have to submit a separate application for assistance with rates.

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Benefits, Welfare Reform

Shortlisted for Customer Service Excellence Award at CIH NI awards

11 January 2018

Housing Rights' Landlord Advice service has been shortlisted in the Customer Service Excellence category of the CIH NI awards 2018.

New Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

9 January 2018

Yesterday's cabinet reshuffle saw Esther McVey become the fifth work and pensions secretary in five years. The role carries overall responsibility for the Department of Work and Pensions, including social security benefits such as Universal Credit.