The ex-government advisor on housing benefit, Bill Irvine, will look to help prepare letting agents and landlords for the migration of housing benefit to Universal Credit, as part of a series of seminars being hosted by Caridon Property, a private provider of social housing, accommodating benefit reliant tenants.

The event, due to take place on Tuesday 24th October, will see Irvine team up with the CEO of Caridon Group, Mario Carrozzo, in order to explain more about the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) plans to transfer a further 2.5m claimants, many of whom are currently claiming housing benefit, paid direct to their landlord, over to Universal Credit where different rules apply.

These changes will be applied across the UK and the forced transfer poses a threat to vulnerable tenants and existing housing benefit arrangements with councils, which protect both tenants and landlords. Removing these safeguards could potentially cause rent arrears.

Carrozzo said: “We recognise the importance of staying informed in this ever-changing rental landscape and supporting our tenants through the sometimes complex and time-consuming process.

“We are preparing staff and tenants for the challenges ahead because we know from experience, that being fully prepared for the transition helps to mitigate many of the problems which could arise. We are hosting this event because we want to share our concerns and plans with others, so that landlords and letting agents who also operate in this niche part of the market can understand and plan for how the changes affect them .”

Delegates will also have the opportunity take part in a Q&A with Irvine, enabling guests to have their specific questions and concerns raised.

For more information about the event, which is due to take place 2pm until 6pm, click here.