Sponsored by
Tenant's fury at benefit blunder
IF MARK Woodcock didn't have such an understanding landlord he would be homeless after a series of bungles by housing benefits bosses.
The jobless 34-year-old's benefits were suspended in October as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities.
But after satisfying the authorities his Jobseeker's Allowance was restarted - and his housing was supposed to.
Twice he was told the money was being sent to his account, in January and again on Monday this week.
But both times Mark was disappointed - and had to tell landlord Douglas Keeling that yet again he had no cash. He was so skint he was forced to sell personal belongings.
Mark, who rents a flat at Douglas's house on Shiregreen Lane, Shiregreen, said rather than turf him out, Douglas had even given him food - and backed him in his fight to have housing benefit reinstated.
Mark said: "It's been humiliating having to prove my circumstances twice - and having to explain to Douglas. If it had been anyone else I'd have been kicked out."
Douglas, aged 62, said he had a lodger to make ends meet and the delay had forced him to pay bills on his credit card.
He said: "I'm getting mad, Mark keeps getting dates but the money gets suspended without any warning."
Housing benefit used to be paid to directly to landlords. But under a new
system introduced last year it is paid directly to tenants who then pay landlords.
ACTION
NO explanation from Sheffield Council, but Andy Dolling, assistant finance director, has apologised and promised to send the money on Monday.
Douglas is set to receive 900 in back rent and Mark will receive 270 which he will pass to Douglas to cover bills.
Mr Dolling said: "We're sorry that there have been delays regarding these Housing Benefit payments, but this has now been rectified and the claimant will receive his benefit, backdated to October, shortly."
Douglas said: "I'm delighted."
If you're on a low income, whether you're working or not, and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may be able to get housing benefit.
What do you think? Add your comment below.
Don't miss our daily pull-outs - only in the The Star: Monday Star Sport, Tuesday Class Act; Wednesday Business; Thursday Grassroots; Friday Time Out; Saturday Retro. Subscribe to The Star - CLICK HERE
READ MORE
Join the Star reader panel
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest sport
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
