Comments on: CALLING ALL LAWYERS- I have been given misinformation – what are my rights?

By: paul h

paul h — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:10:24 +0000

Housing Benefit (HB) is calculated on an individual basis and takes into account your personal circumstances, income, liable rent etc.

If you approach HB before you have identified accommodation and have proof that you are liable for rent, it is impossible to give a definitive forecast of the amount of benefit you are entitled to.

It is unfortunate that you chose to act on limited information but you have not been misinformed and have no recourse or remedy. In future it may be an idea to seek independent advice from an organisation such as Citizens Advice before making such a commitment.

Good luck.

By: old.holly265

old.holly265 — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:13:25 +0000

JZD is 100% correct in everything he says, but the local authority is not completely untouchable. If you have suffered in consequence of a local authority making a mistake, it is still possible to refer the matter to the Ombudsman, who will independently review the position and make a determination.

If there is a finding of maladministration, it is possible for an award to be made which can include an apology and a monetary award. It’s free. You can find out more (and even make a complaint online) via the link below.

By: JZD

JZD — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:00:39 +0000

I’m afraid you have no legal remedy.

The Local Authority cannot affect your legal entitlements. You are either entitled to those benefits or you are not.

Nor are the local authority legally liable for your personal income and expenditure. There is no Misinformation Act.
You are entitled to sue on the basis of advise given in a professional capacity by paid advisers such as accountants, lawyers and so on. In certain limited circumstances.

The LA does not fall within that category.

In terms of what you can do – move out as soon as possible.
(or increase your income – easier said than done)

By: CHICKENHAWKHUNTER

CHICKENHAWKHUNTER — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:03:53 +0000

a lawyer would want $300.00 to answer a question. they are in it for the money, not to help people.

By: harold

harold — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:31:38 +0000

i agree with timbo

By: Timbo is here

Timbo is here — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:32:20 +0000

If you do not have the offer of benefits in writing then it might as well never have happened and you will get nowhere.

By: katt121

katt121 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:00:40 +0000

You could do what the rest of us do – get a job and pay your own way.

Just a thought!

Edit – If you have a job then pay your own rent!

By: Dont mind me, just collecting 2p

Dont mind me, just collecting 2p — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:34:43 +0000

lol dont ask this question at 12pm in the day, the lawyers are at work!