This consultation sought views on the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) guidance manual that DWP provides to local authorities. The current guidance has been updated following changes in welfare benefits such as the introduction of Universal Credit and abolition of Council Tax Benefit from April 2013. The draft guidance and good practice guide is published below.

The consultation was aimed primarily at local authorities who are responsible for administering DHPs. However, we also welcomed views from anyone with an interest in DHPs such as claimants, landlords or welfare organisations.