UNITE COMMUNITY CLACTON SAY STOP EVICTIONS DUE TO BENEFIT ARREARS.

To set the standards for all Landlords by pledging not to evict any of its tenants due to arrears predominantly caused by delays in benefit payments, especially Universal Credit. Also to clearly communicate that policy to all of your tenants based on the procedure set out below.

According to the MINISTRY OF JUSTICE section 2.6 of
THE PRE-ACTION PROTOCOL FOR POSSESSION CLAIMS BY SOCIAL LANDLORDS,
possession proceedings for rent arrears should not be started against a tenant who can demonstrate that:
a) The local authority or Department of works and pensions have been provided with all the evidence required to process a Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) claim:
b) A reasonable expectation of eligibility for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) claim; and
c) paid other sums due not covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element).
The landlord should make every effort to establish effective ongoing liaison with housing departments and DWP and with the tenant's consent, make direct contact with the relevant housing benefit departments and DWP office before taking enforcement action.
The Landlord and tenant should work together to resolve any housing benefit or universal credit (housing element) problems.

We hope that you can make clear that you will follow this policy and respond with a clear statement that will alleviate concerns shown by many local people including our members

Also if you could supply us with contact details of the other main social and private landlords in Tendring it would be appreciated as we would like to establish their policy also