Glossary
Subsidy loss
In one sentence
Housing Benefit a council pays that the DWP does not reimburse, such as exempt rent above a rent officer's figure.
Subsidy loss on exempt accommodation from non-registered providers can cost large councils millions of pounds a year, which is why they scrutinise those rents closely.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- Rent, service charges and Housing Benefit in supported housingHousing Benefit in supported housing covers the core rent plus eligible service charges, such as cleaning and lighting communal areas, furniture and intensive housing management. It does not cover support, counselling, personal care, water charges or most personal fuel and food. Councils expect a line-by-line breakdown showing how each charge is calculated and why it is eligible.
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.