BR and opening up a bank account

UpToMyNeckInIt

I think we are only getting part of the picture here.

There is nothing in Co-Op's terms that prohibit payment of housing (or any other) benefit into it, and no reason in Law why it cannot be paid direct to the Landlord (or managing agent).

TheGardener

As far as I know, it is no longer possible to have your benefit paid direct to the landlord - unless you have some critical reason (people who are unable to manage their financial affairs unaided e.g mental health issues) As far as the co-op is concerned, beats me ?

auldblerk

I don't know either, some code flags up stopping the process and 'TheGardener', you are right, benefit cannot be paid directly to the Landlord unless under exceptional circumstances. My HB supposed to be getting paid direct to the Letting Agent representing my Landlord because of my BR but it hasn't and after all this time, I have no confidence that it will be hence the reason I posted the question to find an alternative solution to this nightmare.

TheGardener

The benefits agency stopped direct landlord payments a couple of years ago - it was to close a massive landlord fraud loophole with landlords continuing to pick up the rent cheques even when a tenant had left.

Its not clear from your post whether its the co-op or the council who have an issue with your bank account but I would suggest you try asking them directly or find a local credit union that operates a budgeting account, most do.

alastairq

Is the Co-op Cashminder account in your name?

Is the HB paid to your name?

auldblerk

It is the Council that have a problem with the co-op cashminder account and everything is in my name.

IF

auldblerk wrote: »

It is the Council that have a problem with the co-op cashminder account and everything is in my name.

Nice to see you auldblerk and so sorry you're having so much trouble, seems so unfair

Best wishes
IF

auldblerk

ifwisheswerehorses... wrote: »

Nice to see you auldblerk and so sorry you're having so much trouble, seems so unfair

Best wishes
IF

The BR has come back to bite me but we all survive (all part of the life experiences), nice to see you are still around this wonderful Forum.



PS .. Keep away from the redundancy section, some right nutters down there :eek:

UpToMyNeckInIt

auldblerk,

Speaking as a Landlord who has previously let my property to HB tenants, I was paid by the Council direct. Granted this was a few years ago, and whilst I am not fully up on the latest rules, I too thought that an act of insolvency was one of the circumstances where HB could be paid to the LL or letting agent. (You could argue that this is evidence of being unable to manage your financial affairs).

Might be worth you posing the question on the 'benefits' board on this forum and/or seeing if CAB can assist.

Regardless, I think you should make a formal complaint about the level of service that your local council are giving you. I am sure yoiu are quite capable of managing your affairs. In which case, there is nothing wrong with the bank account you already have. One point of 'basic' accounts was to enable customers with poor credit ratings to receive electronic benefit payments.

As you are aware, there are VERY limited choices of bank accounts on the high street, available to BR/IVA customers. The Credit Union is a good option if you have one near you though.

I have a 'Secure Trust' bank account, but that will cost you £12.50pcm (offset to some degree by the automatic 'cashback' offers with some retailers). The account is open to BR/IVA customers though and has very good online and telephone banking options.

Sincerely hope you get this sorted. All the best.

alastairq

I concur with the above...it is obvious to me, from what the OP says, the Council employees are totally incorrect.

You have a bank account.
You have given the correct sort code [have you?}

You have given the correct account number?

There should be no issues whatsoever about them making or receiving payments.

I would investigate, and also make a strong complaint.

{See your local Councillor??}