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If you have queries about the:

• technical content of this bulletin then contact details are given at the end of each article

• general content and distribution of this bulletin, contact lawelfare.correspondence@dwp.gov.uk

Who should read

All Housing Benefit colleagues, County Councils and wider if appropriate

County Councils: Please note the article at paragraphsÌý1ÌýtoÌý6ÌýisÌýfor your attention.

Action

For information.

Crown Copyright 2026

Recipients may freely reproduce this bulletin.

·¡»å¾±³Ù´Ç°ù¾±²¹±ôÌýÌý

As I prepare this editorial,Ìýthe sun is shiningÌýand,Ìýas we enterÌýMay,Ìýwe haveÌýtwoÌýBank Holiday weekendsÌýaheadÌýand the promise of a glorious spring and summer.ÌýLet’sÌýhope that continues.Ìý

There are three key areas I would like to highlight in this editorial, namelyÌýHousing Benefit (HB) subsidy, temporary accommodation insight and good practice and the latest published HB speed of processing performance.Ìý

WeÌýhave providedÌýa link to theÌýrecently publishedÌýHB subsidy guidance manual for theÌýfinancial yearÌýending March 2026, which we know is a key document for local authoritiesÌý(LAs)Ìýas they administer the complexities of HB. You can read the HB subsidy claimsÌýgoodÌýpractice guide, which is always worth revisiting.

Turning toÌýgoodÌýpractice, my Performance Development TeamÌý(PDT)Ìýhas recently worked collaboratively withÌýLAÌýpractitioners to produce insight and good practice to support the administration of HB for those inÌýtemporary accommodation. I amÌývery gratefulÌýto theÌýLAsÌýthat contributed to thisÌý·É´Ç°ù°ìÌýand we are more than happy to speak with individual authorities about improving processes. Our email address is provided in paragraph 32.Ìý

Finally, we have published the latest HB speed of processing statistics covering October 2025 to December 2025. PerformanceÌýremainsÌýstable for both new claims and change of circumstances and I amÌývery gratefulÌýto allÌýLAsÌýfor their continued focus on delivering forÌýclaimantsÌýwho rely on HB as a vital source of income. You will notice that the publication now differentiates betweenÌýWorkingÌýAge andÌýPensionÌýage performance, which myÌýPDTÌýis considering when discussing performance withÌýLAs.Ìý

That’sÌýall from me for now but please do contactÌýPDTÌýif you need any help or support. We are here to help.Ìý

Jonathan Bottomer Ìý Head ofÌýthe Performance Development Team, Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery division

Local authority funding forÌýDepartment for Work and Pensions commissioned work delivered byÌýIT software suppliersÌý

1. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is working with project leads and local authority (LA) IT software suppliers to prepare funding for DWP commissioned work delivered on behalf ofÌýLAs. This includes:Ìý

• Housing Benefit (HB) IT software suppliers delivering DWPÌý³¦´Ç³¾³¾¾±²õ²õ¾±´Ç²Ô±ð»å HB ·É´Ç°ù°ìÌý

• Adult Social Care (ASC)ÌýITÌýsoftware suppliers (AzeusÌýand the Access Group) deliveringÌýDWP commissionedÌý·É´Ç°ù°ìÌýonÌýthe Care Home Information Service (CHIS)Ìý

2. Funding will be paid toÌýLAsÌýin May 2026.Ìý

3. The Local Authority Data Sharing Team issued a letter on 27 April 2026 providing each LA with a detailed breakdown of the funding, including what the payment relates to and the specific payment date. This information was sentÌýtoÌýeach LA’s single inbox. LAs should ensure the details have been shared with their Finance Team.Ìý

4. Once payments have been made, LA IT software suppliers will invoice the LA for the corresponding amounts. Finance Teams should ensure these invoices are paidÌýin a timely manner.Ìý

5. Thank you for your continued support with this work.Ìý

6. For further information, please contactÌýlawelfare.ladsdeliveryteam@dwp.gov.uk

Changes to HB Matching Service Rule HBUC105Ìý

7. Following valuable feedback from severalÌýLAs, minor amendments have been made to rule HBUC105. This ruleÌýidentifiesÌýHBÌýclaims where the associated Universal Credit (UC) award has becomeÌýnil.Ìý

8. The changes remove cases where the UC award isÌýnilÌýbecause of sanctions,ÌýdeductionsÌýor earnings. As a reminder, LAs should ensure that the Local Council Tax Reduction (LCTR) interestÌýremainsÌýin place whilst HB is in payment, even where there is no LCTR award. This is necessary to ensure continued receipt of UC notifications.Ìý

9. If you have any queries, contactÌýlawelfare.datamatching@dwp.gov.uk

HB subsidy guidance manual for theÌýfinancial yearÌýending March 2026Ìý

10. TheÌýHBÌýsubsidy guidance manualÌýfor theÌýfinancial yearÌýendingÌý(FYE)ÌýMarch 2026 has been published on www.gov.uk.Ìý

11. If you have any questionsÌýregardingÌýthe content of this guidance, emailÌýlawelfare.lapaymentsandsubsidy@dwp.gov.ukÌýÌý

±«±è»å²¹³Ù±ð:ÌýIdentifyingÌýLocal VulnerabilityÌýand progressÌýtowards a Minimum Viable ProductÌý

12. Since our last update in March’sÌýLAWD3/2026Ìýbulletin, we are still heavily engaged withÌýDWPÌýDigital teams to pass the next governance hurdle. Further meetings lie ahead to align with DWP’s governance and management framework. This will enable us toÌýproceedÌýalong the Alpha phase towards building a Minimum Viable Product.Ìý

13. The team continues its commitment to co-design principles; working closely and collaboratively with LAs in the Identifying Local Vulnerability (ILoV) Working Group to ensure we are delivering onÌýLAÌýdata requirements.Ìý

14. We will continue to provide updates as work progresses. In the meantime, if you have any queries aboutÌýILoV, please contactÌýlawelfare.datasharingtransformation@dwp.gov.uk

±«±è»å²¹³Ù±ð:ÌýCHISÌýnational rolloutÌýprogressÌý

15. CHISÌýnational rollout continues to progress.ÌýAs advised in April’sÌýLAWD4/2026, activities are fully underway, in collaboration withÌýASCÌýIT software suppliers andÌýLAs, to agree system release upgrades and CHIS go-live dates.ÌýÌý

16. To support this work, the Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery division held a workshop for ASC Directors on Monday 20 April 2026.Ìý

17. At this workshop we outlined our expectations and explained how we will support LAs through the go-live process and the benefits of this important initiative. Thank you to all those who attended. For anyone unable to attend,Ìýa recording of the session is available in the ASCÌýworkspace onÌýGlasscubes.Ìý

18. If you have any questions about the workshop or require further information about CHIS, contactÌýlawelfare.ladsdeliveryteam@dwp.gov.uk

Insight and good practice in the administration ofÌýHBÌýfor those in temporary accommodationÌýÌý

19. The Performance Development TeamÌý(PDT)Ìýwould like to share key insights and examples of good practiceÌýobservedÌýduring a recent commission to review LA administration ofÌýHBÌýfor those in temporary accommodation. This work combined operational engagement with 16 LAs, supported by the analysis of HB new claims speed of processing temporary accommodationÌýdata for theÌýFYEÌýMarch 2025.Ìý

20. We recognise the significant and sustained pressures faced by LAs in this area. Throughout the review, it was clear that LAs are working with commitment and professionalism to support people in temporary accommodation, often within challenging financial, housing and demand constraints. The examples that follow reflect practices that are already making a tangible difference and were shared with us in the spirit of collective learning.

Strengthening claim submission and processingÌý

21. LAs that invested in regular training and coaching for Housing Options staff consistently reported better quality HB application forms. Clear understanding of evidence requirements,ÌýaccurateÌýcompletion of forms and awareness of the downstream impact of missing information reduced avoidable delays and improved claimant outcomes.Ìý

22. A strong shift towards digital-first claim submission wasÌýevidentÌýacross mostÌýparticipatingÌýLAs. Digital routes reduced handling delays and loss of documentation, whilstÌýassistedÌýdigital support ensured vulnerable residents were not excluded. SomeÌýLAs also made effective use of smart forms by tailoring questions to individual circumstances to simplify the claimant journey and improve data accuracy.

Organising work effectivelyÌý

23. Clear and consistent naming conventions for temporary accommodation cases enable teams to track,ÌýprioritiseÌýandÌýmonitorÌýperformance more effectively. This is reinforced where LAs makeÌýgood useÌýof system reporting tools to understand demand,ÌýidentifyÌýpressure points andÌýallocateÌýresources dynamically. These approaches prove particularly valuable in preventing backlogs and managing peaks in demand.

Working in partnershipÌý

24. Strong internal relationships between Revenues and Benefits and Housing Options teams were a defining feature of better performingÌýauthorities. Regular engagement, clear escalationÌýroutesÌýand shared accountability have improved information flow and reduced delays caused by missing or unclear evidence.Ìý

25. Several LAs also invest time in upskilling housing colleagues on HB rules and subsidy impacts, strengthening shared understanding and reducing avoidable errors.Ìý

26. Externally, all LAs engage actively in forums and networks, including regional groups andÌýmulti‑agencyÌýpartnerships. In some areas, these arrangements created faster referral routes and targeted support for vulnerable residents,ÌýdemonstratingÌýthe value of collaboration beyond normal organisational boundaries.

Supporting claimants effectivelyÌý

27. SomeÌýauthoritiesÌýenhanced assurance and claimant experience by using dedicated members of staffÌýto engage directly with residents,ÌývalidateÌýoccupancy and resolve issues early. Others have developed strong referral pathways for vulnerable groups by working with charities and specialist partners to ensure tailored andÌýtimelyÌýsupport.Ìý

Creativity in temporary accommodation supplyÌý

28. The commission also highlighted innovative approaches to increasing temporary accommodation supply, including the use ofÌýnon‑traditionalÌýaccommodation, such as using repurposed shipping containers on land unsuitable for traditional development to respond quickly to demand whilstÌýmaintainingÌýsafety and compliance. This and other examples LAs sharedÌýreflectsÌýthe adaptability of some LAs in exceptionally difficult housing markets.

Performance and accuracyÌý

29. Robust quality assurance arrangements, including targeted checks and enhanced oversight forÌýnew staff, help protect subsidy, reduceÌýerrorÌýand deliver more reliable outcomes for claimants.Ìý

30. Our analysis of temporary accommodation HB new claims processing times showed that most LAs areÌýoperatingÌýwithin expectedÌýtimeframes, including at scale. Where performance improved over time, this was typically driven by clear oversight and focused interventions. ThisÌýdemonstratesÌýthat improvement is achievable even in high caseload environments.

PDT °ù±ð´Ú±ô±ð³¦³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õÌý

31. PDT would like to take this opportunity to thank all LAs who engaged openly with this work and shared their experiences. The insights gained reflect professionalism,ÌýcareÌýand determination to deliver a vital service for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Whilst pressuresÌýremainÌýsignificant, the evidence from this review shows that practical improvements in partnership working, system use and quality assurance can deliverÌýtimelyÌýand reliable outcomes.Ìý

32. PDTÌýremainsÌýcommitted to supporting continuous improvement.ÌýIfÌýyou wish to feedback or would like further information about the content of this article, contactÌýlawelfare.pdt@dwp.gov.uk

Publication ofÌýHBÌýspeed of processing statistics for October 2025 to December 2025ÌýÌý

33. The department published theÌýHB speed of processing statistics and associated data for quarter 3 of the FYE March 2026Ìýon Wednesday 29 April 2026.Ìý

Some key pointsÌý

• During the latest quarter there were 110,000 new claims processed. ThisÌýcomprises:Ìý

• 75,000 (71%) for Working Age claimants​Ìý

• 31,000 (29%) for Pension age claimants​Ìý

• Overall, this is a decrease of 3,700 (3%) since last quarter and an increase of 1,400 (1%) when compared to a year earlier.​Ìý

• During the latest quarter there were 760,000 changes of circumstances for existing HB claims processed. ThisÌýcomprises:​Ìý

• 440,000 (58%) for Working Age claimants​Ìý

• 320,000 (42%) for Pension age claimants​Ìý

• Overall, this is a decrease of 69,000 (8%) since last quarter and a decrease of 260,000 (26%) when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.Ìý

*ÌýDo note: Volumes for Working Age and Pension age cases may not sum to the total volume for processed cases sometimes. This is caused by records that could not be matched to Searchlight to extract missing date of birth and sex of claimant records. For information on the matching process and reasons for unmatched records, see the HB speed of processing methodology note

New claimsÌý

• The average time taken to process an HB new claim during the latest quarter was  20 calendar days. This is three days lower than last quarter and the same as a year earlier andÌýcomprisesÌýan average time of:​Ìý

• 19 days for Working Age claimants​Ìý

• 23 days for Pension age claimants​Ìý

Change of circumstancesÌý

• The average number of days taken to process a change of circumstances to an existing HB claim during the latest quarter was 8 calendar days. This is one day lower than last quarter and one day lower than a year earlier andÌýcomprisesÌýan average time of:​Ìý

• 8 days for Working Age claimants​Ìý

• 9 days for Pension age claimants

Practitioners’ÌýOperational Group and Local Authority Welfare Steering Group   Ìý

34. The last Practitioners’ Operational Group meeting took place on 16 April 2026. Agenda items includedÌýLAÌýfunding, bringing the administration together for HB and Pension Credit, Legacy HB ¶Ù¾±²õ³¦´Ç±¹±ð°ù²â,Ìý²Ñ´Ç±¹±ðÌý³Ù´ÇÌýUC, Fraud and Error, supported housing, the Crisis and Resilience Fund and Local Government Reorganisation.Ìý

35. Both groups’ meetings are held bi-monthly (and alternately), so the next Local Authority Welfare Steering Group meeting is scheduled to take place on 21 May 2026.Ìý

36. If you have any questions regarding topics raised at these consultation groups, email  lawelfare.correspondence@dwp.gov.uk

HB Decisions by the Upper TribunalÌýÌý

37. Decision Making and Appeals (DMA) Leeds is not aware of any cases that have been decided by the Upper Tribunal (UT).Ìý

38. You can read aÌýselectionÌýof decisions of the UT

39. ÌýIf you have any queries about cases before the UT Judges or courts, please contact us by email at quarryhouse.dmaleedscustomersupportservices@dwp.gov.uk

HB cases awaiting decision by the UTÌý

40. DMA Leeds has not been made aware of any HB case that is awaiting decision by the UT.Ìý

NewÌýLegislationÌý

41. TheÌýfollowingÌýStatutory Instruments (SIs)ÌýhaveÌýbeen laid:ÌýÌý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

• Ìý

42. Copies of SIs can now be downloaded fromÌýÌýÌýÌý

What’sÌýnew on our HB pages onÌý°Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï

43. The following items can be found on the website link shown:

Document Type	Subject	Link
LAWD bulletin	Editorial Reminder: Correct process for local authorities requesting Third Party Deductions from benefits Reminder: Deadline for the submission of Housing Benefit pre-audit final claims and Discretionary Housing Payment end of year final claimsÌý Reminder: Statutory deadline for notifying details of a Reporting Accountant for theÌýFYEÌýMarch 2027Ìýsubsidy claimÌý Update: NewÌýHBÌýSubsidy Hub and reminder for IP address information by 8 April 2026Ìý Publication of refreshedÌýHBAPÌýmodules for theÌýFYEÌýMarch 2026Ìý Update: Care Home Information Service and Adult Social Care Director workshop on 20 April 2026Ìý Update: DHPsÌýand the Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing PaymentsÌý Invitation to the next Data sharing and IT consultation and engagement forumÌý Secondment opportunitiesÌýinÌýLA-PED division Practitioners’ Operational Group andÌýLocal AuthorityÌýWelfare Steering Group Pension Credit applications and awards data: Updated February 2026Ìý HB Decisions by the Upper Tribunal New LegislationÌý What’sÌýnew onÌýour HB pages	LAWD4/2026
Adjudication and Operations circularÌý(A Circular)	Introduction of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 and the AT Court of Appeal judgement	A3/2026
A circular	Social Security consequential amendments (four subject areas)	A4/2026
A circular	Housing Benefit eligibility and the situation in the Middle East	A5/2026
Subsidy (S) circular	Rent Rebate Subsidy Limitation information for theÌýfinancial yearÌýendingÌýMarch 2027 (Wales only)	S3/2026
S circular	Housing Benefit Award Accuracy Initiative funding for the financial year ending March 2027 for local authorities participatingÌýÌýÌýÌý from 1 April 2026	S4/2026
Guidance	Housing Benefit subsidy guidance manual 2025 to 2026	Housing Benefit subsidy guidanceÌýmanual