As part of the government’s programme to reform the housing benefit system, a project ongoing since Labour came to power in 1997, the Housing Benefit Bill will build on work done so far.

In line with current Labour thinking of extending choice, the Housing Benefit Bill aims to give tenants more choice and to allow people on low incomes the chance to afford a decent home which meets their needs.

The Bill would also extend tenants’ personal responsibility for paying their rent, make it harder to defraud the system, which at the same time would be made simpler and faster, allowing more people to take up the benefits to which they are entitled.

Local authorities will also be given more powers to investigate fraud under the new provisions of the Bill.

Following successful pilot schemes using local housing allowances, the new flat rate system of paying housing benefit is to be rolled out this year, with the Bill ensuring that it can be implemented across the UK.