Greedy Rich Landlord raking it in collecting Taxpayers money he’s not entitled to

Hi Mick

Absurd as Mick's note may sound, it's 100% true. This despite the fact, landlords (social & private) who receive Alternative payment Arrangements (APAs) have an OBLIGATION to notify DWP of any change in circumstances that can affect the continuing award of the "housing costs element".

The author of DWP's letter is also completely oblivious to the fact there is no longer a "landlord enquiry line" for PRS landlords. Landlords can call the General Enquiries line, wait 20-30 minutes to get through, only to be told, we can't act on this information, it must be provided by the tenant. Again, this is entirely incorrect.

Mick refers to the scandalous situation with regards to the £6 Billion "overpayments" recorded in 2020-21. I explain this, in more detail here: https://universalcreditadvice.com/bulletins/universal-credit-fraud-error-hits-6-billion-in-2020-21/

You'll note Mr Couling, DWP's Director General, view, that in the scheme of things, £6 Billion is not so bad! Over the next few years, DWP will be sending letters/invoices to landlords, seeking to recover part of this sum. Landlords have rights to challenge such attempts at recovery, but, here again, DWP makes it difficult for landlords to lodge a Mandatory Reconsideration and later appeal. The standard forms relating to both stages, are designed purely for claimants.

Bill Irvine

this is bloody laughable!!! (though I get your frustration)

You have done your bit if DWP come knocking for an overpayment clawback. I suggest you do contact your MP - love to see their response!

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 30/06/2021 - 12:31
Meeting Labour MP Friday against UC issues. We don't have much hope though do we when meeting MP's.

I'm in exactly the same position. Been posting on here my action . Of responding to DWPuc requests and demands.
At the stage where my MP has been in contact with Therese Cofey SoS MP and Head of DWP.

AWAITING OUTCOME.

Reply to the comment left by Rbinscotland at 30/06/2021 - 12:53Good on u getting yours referred up. I refuse to give my house details as I want something putting in place for all Landlords, no point just solving ours is there.
Ben Beadle, Head of NRLA wants concrete cases like this simple photos of the letters messaging him on Twitter if u think it's worth it.
https://twitter.com/BeadleBen

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 30/06/2021 - 12:31
Hi DSR,

If any LL receives an overpayment demand letter or invoice and wish to challenge this, I would recommend, firstly, submitting the Mandatory Reconsideration to the local Service Leader file:///C:/Users/User/OneDrive/Desktop/Jobcentre%20Plus%20Service%20Leaders%20-%20GOV.UK.html and ask him or her to route this to the Appeals staff.

One of the three cases I referred, in this way, has now been resolved, in favour of the LL. The other two cases are likely to produce the same outcome as DWP simply got things wrong on a number of levels.

I deal with HB & UC overpayments on an all too regular basis. I successfully argued one recently where the Council was pursuing the LL for 6 figures. You can imagine the relief he experienced when the Council conceded. I would encourage all LLs to question, if not challenge, any attempts at recovery.

Bill

Wow Mick, you are one hell of a lucky guy, you getting free rent payments for a property you no longer own, and still receiving rental payments from ejiots @ UC DWP, and your Local Council thinks you own land with a big tree, that you told them you don't, what else could one ask from life? Wow Mick well done, Get a nice big yacht and let us party and celebrate this money until we have none left for them to claw back! Cruise the warm seas of Mediterranean, meet some real people with much brains.

Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 30/06/2021 - 12:57
To be blunt and perfectly honest. I wanted to advise p118 and other landlord sites of my tales of woe. With believe it or not maybe at that stage (March 19) to get advice, group collaboration or whatever, to take it forward as a group/ organisation.

I did have an Ace in the pack . A letter from the HM treasury assuring my business assets are not or will ever be expected to sell to pay back overpayments, or to pay actual, "real" mortgages, costs expenses with regard the properties. And was also told I should claim UC.
I THOUGHT THATS A GOOD START....IT WAS.

But, I had little or no response and in fact like your comment suggests. I need to do this for All not just my own case.

Eventually this comment appeared on p118 and I thought it's a good start. Hopefully the right people, with the right intentions will also.

Reply to the comment left by Mike at 30/06/2021 - 13:10
Ha ha yes,
When u put it like that, I should be grateful the bafoon's in authority are giving me free goodies.

Unfortunately, I suspect when they finally wise up and start demanding repayment they will hammer away without logic or consideration.

In the meantime, invest the money and keep any increase as and when they want their 'error' returned.