Guidance

LA Welfare Direct 9/2026

Updated 29 September 2026

Contact

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.

Action

For information.

County Councils

Please note the articles at paragraphs 1 to 10, 11 to 16, 17 to 23 and 43 to 46 are for your attention.

Editorial

I hope you have all had the opportunity to take some time away from work over the summer.

As we move into autumn, this update contains several important actions and opportunities for local authorities (LAs) relating to Housing Benefit (HB), data quality, supported housing reform and LA engagement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The key theme across this update is DWP’s increasing focus on data quality, compliance, fraud and error prevention and collaborative working with LAs. Of particular significance is the strengthened emphasis on Personal Details Verification Report compliance, with clear expectations that LAs take timely corrective action and are able to demonstrate effective management of identified discrepancies.

LAs are invited to participate in a call about our new absence abroad data-matching initiative and express an interest in attending a series of workshops about the supported housing reform.

There is an update on the Identifying Local Vulnerability programme and the latest publication of the HB Debt Recoveries statistics which shows the overall HB debt portfolio continuing to reduce. Whilst this is the final release of these published statistics delivered by DWP Client Statistics, as a division we shall be continuing to provide this level of data to LAs in the future. We will communicate our plans for HB Debt Recovery and HB speed of processing management information in the next month or so.

Finally, I’d like to personally draw your attention to the secondment opportunities within my Performance Development Team. They provide great opportunities for HB practitioners to contribute to national performance improvement activities. Collaborative working to change the working relationships between central and local government is a key theme of the new Prime Minister’s administration. The roles we are offering will enable people to be at the forefront of this devolution agenda. If you are interested, please get in touch with me as it is always good to talk.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. I hope you enjoy the autumn and I look forward to working with you in the months ahead.

Jonathan Bottomer
Lead for the Performance Development Team

Personal Details Verification Report

1. This article provides guidance for local authorities (LAs) regarding the Personal Details Verification Report (PDVR) to improve knowledge of the PDVR process to support LAs in action they need to take.

2. In June 2011, the Housing Benefit Matching Service (HBMS) developed a process to cleanse Housing Benefit (HB) claimant/partner records prior to the data matching process.

3. In simple terms, the process recognises inaccuracies and removes either claimant or partner records that cannot remain within the HBMS matching process. The main reason for removal is due to personal details held on HB systems not corresponding with those held on Searchlight.

4. The removed customer records are then issued to LAs as the PDVR. LAs should then check the records in the PDVR and take corrective action to amend these records. Once the records have been amended (either on Searchlight or on the LA system) the now corrected data can be matched correctly in future data matching processes and will not appear again in future months PDVRs.

5. It is imperative that action is taken to correct the PDVR to ensure claimant records are accurate. If LAs fail to amend the PDVR, incorrect records will not be transmitted through Automated Transfer to Local Authority Systems (ATLAS), Verify Earnings and Pensions (VEP) and HBMS. This will result in errors remaining unresolved across multiple HB claims, increasing the risk that fraud and error go undetected. Taking timely corrective action will not only resolve these discrepancies but will also contribute to improving the overall accuracy and reliability of ATLAS, VEP and HBMS systems.

6. In addition, failure to correct inaccurate data contravenes the accuracy principle set out in Article 5(1)(d) of the UK GDPR. This requires that personal data is accurate and where necessary, kept up to date. It further mandates that every reasonable step must be taken to ensure inaccurate personal data is erased or rectified without delay.

7. A recent engagement exercise led by the Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery (LA-PED) division on the use of the HBMS referrals identified that very few LAs were taking action to correct claimant/partner records identified on the PDVR.

8. Due to historically low compliance rates, the PDVR is now subject to compliance monitoring under Keeping Claims Right activity as follows:

• PDVR performance will be measured and reported
• LAs may be required to provide evidence of action taken
• Persistent failure may lead to:
• increased scrutiny
• targeted interventions or support
• potential impact on performance assessments

9. Guidance on how to action PDVR referrals was previously issued within circular HB A9/2016.

10. If you have any questions, please contact lawelfare.datamatching@dwp.gov.uk.

Absence abroad: Invitation to an all LA call

11. The purpose of this call is to discuss the planned data sharing and collaborative working between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), LAs and the Home Office where we aim to identify cases where claimants have been or may currently be overseas for extended periods and establish whether their benefit entitlement remains valid.

12. The call will be held on Wednesday 23 September 2026 from 1:05pm to 2pm.

Joining instructions

• The MS Teams link to this meeting has been shared in the version of the LAWD9/2026 that was sent directly to each LA’s single inbox. Note: It is more difficult to ask questions through dial-in so, if you anticipate having questions, we recommend joining through MS Teams where possible.
• Aim to join the event two or three minutes before the start time, as we intend to start promptly.

Speakers will be muted by default, but instructions will be given during the event if you want to ask a question.  

Call agenda  

13. The call will focus on:

• the intelligence available
• the role of LAs in reviewing potential matches
• how we can work together to ensure HB is paid correctly while maintaining fairness for genuine claimants

14. The call will be recorded and published on Glasscubes. 

15. The forum is open to all LAs and it would be beneficial for every LA to have at least one representative join the forum to help us maximise feedback. Each LA representative should: 

• seek input and feedback from as many of their colleagues as possible prior to dialling in, for example, questions they might want to be answered
• have knowledge, at least at a high level, of data sharing, data matching and the process of handling HB claims when the claimant has been absent abroad for longer than permitted whilst in receipt of HB
• feedback to their colleagues about how the conference call went, including the answers to the questions we asked

16. We look forward to your participation on the call. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please contact lawelfare.datamatching@dwp.gov.uk.

Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023: LA workshops expressions of interest by 16 September 2026

17. DWP is developing its approach to linking higher-rate HB entitlement for specified accommodation in England, as set out in the government’s consultation response linked to the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

18. We are seeking expressions of interest from LAs to take part in a small design working group. The working group workshops will help test how the proposed link between licensing and HB could work in practice, before wider communications and guidance are finalised. This will include testing operational issues such as licensing-to-HB information flows, evidence requirements, resident safeguards, contingency planning and guidance needs.

19. The workshops are expected to take place virtually in October 2026 and are expected to last approximately 2 hours. Provisional dates are Thursday 15 October, Monday 19 October and Wednesday 21 October 2026.

20. Please note, we need LAs that can take part in the full workshop series, so that learning and context can be carried through consistently.

21. Participation will be by selection to ensure a mix of LA types and delivery contexts. LAs that are not selected will still be able to share questions, risks and suggested areas for discussion through the expression of interest form.

22. LAs interested in taking part should complete the expression of interest form by close of business on Wednesday 16 September 2026.

23. If you have any questions, contact housing.policyenquiries@dwp.gov.uk.

Update: Identifying Local Vulnerability

24. As advised in July’s LA Welfare Direct 7/2026, we have successfully passed DWPs digital governance processes. We are currently in the process of onboarding a digital team to drive the project forward through to Alpha testing.

25. In the coming months we will have finalised all Discovery activity and will be preparing to establish robust solution designs and a delivery road map. This will enable us to build in phases to ensure a well-tested and deliverable Minimal Viable Product is produced in 2027.

26. We will continue to provide updates as work progresses. In the meantime, if you have any queries about Identifying Local Vulnerability, contact lawelfare.datasharingtransformation@dwp.gov.uk.

Final publication of HB Debt Recoveries statistics for April 2025 to March 2026

27. The HB Debt Recoveries statistics were published on 2 September 2026.

28. The statistics show that for the financial year ending (FYE) March 2026:

• LAs identified a total of £420 million overpaid HB - £9 million less than the total amount identified in the FYE March 2025
• LAs recovered £425 million overpaid HB - £12 million less than the FYE March 2025
• LAs wrote off £100 million overpaid HB – £18 million more than the FYE March 2025
• At the start of Quarter 4 (Q4) of the FYE March 2026, there was £1.39 billion outstanding overpaid HB - £134 million less than at the start of Q4 of the FYE March 2025

29. As advised in LA Welfare Direct 7/2026, this publication is the final release of HB Debt Recovery statistics. Following a recent public consultation, the department reviewed feedback on the value and frequency of the publication. The consultation did not identify an ongoing public need for these statistics to continue to be published.

30. Work is continuing to consider future approaches to performance reporting and engagement with LAs. Further information will be communicated in due course as these arrangements are finalised.

31. If you have any queries, please contact lawelfare.pdt@dwp.gov.uk.

Secondment opportunities in LA-PED division’s Performance Development Team

32. Working with LAs, as one of our major stakeholders in Welfare Reform, continues to feature heavily and for this reason we value the expertise and knowledge that those administering HB within LAs can bring.   

33. LA-PED has had a very successful programme of bringing HB experts from LAs in to work alongside data sharing, subsidy, change and performance teams on secondment. We are now looking for LA secondees to join our Performance Development Team (PDT).   

34. PDT comprises of business consultants and Performance Relationship Managers (PRMs), who have many years of experience and expertise of working with central and local government to deliver sustainable improvements in performance.​   

35. The consultancy and PRM roles offer a wide variety of working experiences, which complement each other and come together when supporting HB performance. We work collaboratively with LAs to help them evaluate their processes, identify efficiencies and improve service delivery. Continuous improvement is central to the work we deliver and our aim is to transfer our skills and knowledge to our clients.

Desirable skills:

• strong stakeholder engagement and management – ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with LAs and other stakeholders
• good drafting and communication skills
• competent excel skills – enjoys working with and analysing management information
• managing competing priorities

36. Through our long history of secondees joining our team we have gained a deeper understanding of what life is like within an HB service. This has helped us shape how we deliver our performance management offer and best support all 350 LAs. In turn, LA secondees have seen their own knowledge of the HB landscape widen.  

37. We do not want to stop there. We understand the fast-paced, ever-changing environment you come from and we want to continue this exciting learning journey together. These opportunities are ideally suited to those with a good understanding of HB procedures and who want to gain an insight into central government whilst learning new skills in a busy and supportive workplace.

Further information

38. Secondment posts would be offered for either 12 months or 24 months dependent on the role offered. Both the consultancy and PRM roles require some travel and overnight stays, this is more frequent for the consultancy role. The posts would usually be full time and based across the country. To give you an idea, we have hub locations in the following places:   

• Blackpool
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Sheffield

39. Moves at public expense would not be considered.   

40. As a guide the:

• PRM role is the Higher Executive Officer grade in the Civil Service with a broad salary range of £38,772 to £44,335
• consultancy role is the Senior Executive Officer grade in the Civil Service with a broad salary range of £44,447 to £50,044

41. If you are keen to register your interest, check with your LA that you can be released and then send your CV to laped.businesssupportteam@dwp.gov.uk by Wednesday 30 September 2026. 

42. If you would like and informal chat regarding these roles, please contact jonathan.bottomer@dwp.gov.uk.

Pension Awareness Week: 14 to 18 September 2026 

43. Pension Awareness Week is coming up and we’re asking councils to get involved by encouraging your residents, service users, colleagues and stakeholders to take one simple first step - checking their State Pension age.

44. To make this easy, we’ve launched a new State Pension age toolkit, with ready-to-use materials including: 

• downloadable posters (A4) and leaflets (A5)
• social media assets
• copy for intranets and e-newsletters

45. Pension Awareness Week also includes a number of free online events organised by ‘Pension Geeks’, including sessions on making the most of your workplace pension and how MoneyHelper can support you. More information on the sessions and how to book a place can be found on the Pension Awareness Week website.

46. We’d be grateful if you could share these materials with your networks during the week. If you have any questions about the toolkit or would like to request printed copies of the A4 posters or A5 leaflets, please contact chiltonmannion.jobshare@dwp.gov.uk.

Practitioners’ Operational Group and LA Welfare Steering Group

47. The last Practitioners’ Operational Group meeting took place on 20 August 2026. Agenda items included Legacy HB Discovery, LA funding, bringing the administration together for pensioner HB and Pension Credit, the Memorandum of Understanding between DWP and LAs, the replacement for the Public Sector Network, Fraud and Error and Local Government Reorganisation.

48. Both groups’ meetings are held bi-monthly (and alternately), so the next LA Welfare Steering Group meeting is scheduled to take place on 17 September 2026.

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

HB Decisions by the Upper Tribunal

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

51. You can read all Decisions of the UT on their website. Do be aware that there is an undefined time lapse between decisions being issued and their appearance on the website.

HB cases awaiting decision by the UT

52. DMA Leeds have not been made aware of any case that is awaiting decision by the UT, since our previous LAWD entry in August 2026.

53. If you have any queries about appeals before the UT Judges or courts, contact us by email at quarryhouse.dmaleedscustomersupportservices@dwp.gov.uk.

New Legislation

54. The following Statutory Instruments (SIs) have been laid:

• 2026 No. 692 – The Non-Domestic Rating (Definition of Domestic Property) (England) Order 2026, came into force on 24 July 2026
• 2026 No. 946 – The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, coming into force on 22 September 2026

55. Copies of SIs can now be downloaded from legislation.gov.uk.

What’s new on our HB pages on GOV.UK

56. The following Housing Benefit items can be found on the links shown.

LAWD bulletin

LAWD8/2025

Subject:

• Editorial
• Extension of the Recommended Review Period for Personal Independence Payment awards
• Employment and Support Allowance LA17 submission email address change
• Update: Care Home Information Service
• LA performance, relationships and engagement
• Practitioners’ Operational Group and LA Welfare Steering Group
• HB Decisions by the Upper Tribunal
• New Legislation
• What’s new on our HB pages on www.gov.uk.

Adjudication and operations circular

A8/2026

Subject:

• The Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and State Pension Credit (Carer’s Allowance Reassessment Capital Disregard) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

LAWD bulletin lite

LAWD8/2026 lite

Subject:

• Reminder: Correct use of the ‘Do Not Redirect’ Royal Mail service
• Final publication of HB speed of processing statistics for January 2026 to March 2026