u/justeUnMec

Hi

This is a request for experiences as there's a bit of discussion around this.

Some shared ownership properties have service charges that are paid to third party managing agents rather than Housing associations, and anecdotally there is some evidence that for people on Universal credit the DWP are failing to properly pay the components of this service charge that is covered by UC.

This is apparently due to how the DWP takes automatic feeds for rent form housing associations, but the housing associations don't include the service charge figures collected by third party management companies, which can cause problems.

Has anyone experienced this issue, for example DWP not requesting evidence for service charge and assuming its zero?

Though the article focuses on social tenants, a shared owner is interviewed talking about issues they've had with social tenants in their mixed use block short term subletting via AirBnB.

We know most SO leaseholders have a clause in their lease preventing whole home short term letting anyway, but interesting to note. I live in a mixed use development and see people showing up with their suitcases every Saturday, there are obviously AirBnBs operating in my block.

What are others' experiences?

>"Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters are tackling a fire at a recycling centre on Landmann Way in Bermondsey.
Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Two of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders have been deployed to the scene to help fight the fire from above.
Control Officers took the first of multiple calls at 1732 and have mobilised crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road, Greenwich and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

This might seem a weird question, but I don't need a router and would rather use my own, and don't want the hassle or environmental waste of having to have one posted out if I change provider, having to return at end of contract, and having to pay for the router/postage!

I'm looking to switch to a social tariff as I'm on benefits, so my selection of providers is limited. BT have told me I can't opt out of receiving a router and paying the £11.99 for it, even though amongst my collection I have a perfectly adequate old BT one from a few of years ago before I switched away.

My current provider was "bring your own router" but don't do social tariffs.

Does anyone know if Vodafone, Sky, Now, or any other OpenReach FTTP providers that do social tariffs and serve London allow you to use your own router, and opt out of receiving a new one at all? For reference, the list of social tariff providers is here: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs

thank you

As some will know, certain shared ownership landlords add an “admin fee” to the rent. I was told today that apparently this is not considered a legitimate housing cost for benefits so is excluded when the housing associations report rent to DWP. Anyone else come across this?