Reviews, Changes, Overpayments and Fraud
Reviews (if you disagree with a decision)
Housing Payments do not carry a legal right of appeal. However, you can ask the Council to review the decision.
You must:
- Ask within one month of the decision
- Explain why you disagree
- Include any supporting evidence A different officer will look at the case. The review outcome is final.
A different officer will look at the case. The review outcome is final.
Changes in your circumstances
You must tell us straight away if:
- Your income changes
- You move home
- Someone moves in or out
- Your Housing Benefit/UC changes
- Anything else changes that affects your rent or finances
Failure to report changes may lead to overpayment.
Overpayments
If you receive too much Housing Payment, we may recover it if it was caused by:
- Misleading information
- Not reporting changes
- Fraud or error
Overpayments are recovered by invoice or reducing future Housing Payments.
Fraud and misuse
Providing false information or trying to claim dishonestly may lead to:
- Your claim being refused
- Payments being stopped
- Repayment of any money awarded
- Investigation by the Council’s Fraud Team