How to stop housing benefit tenants falling into arrears

Patrick Bullick, a London property agent, has criticized Universal Credit’s system of paying housing benefits directly to tenants instead of landlords. He argues this change has led to rent arrears, as tenants on low incomes often prioritize other expenses. Bullick claims landlords are now reluctant to rent to benefit recipients, which he says is practical, not discriminatory. He advocates for a return to the previous system, where local authorities paid landlords directly, to prevent homelessness and ensure taxpayers’ money is used effectively.