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<p>The Discretionary Housing Payment fund is not a benefit, but is available to people
in receipt of either Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit if
they need further financial help with housing costs. This includes helping with such
things as rent deposits and removal costs as well as mitigating the impact of welfare
reform.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>These payments are discretionary and are made by local
authorities who have a duty to act fairly and reasonably when considering applications.
The Department does however provide on line guidance to Local Authorities in England
and Wales. Local authorities also provide voluntary monitoring returns to the Department
twice yearly on how these payments have been allocated. Details of the 2016/17 End
of Year statistical monitoring returns can be found below:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/576787/discretionary-housing-payments-guide.pdf"
target="_blank"><strong>https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/576787/discretionary-housing-payments-guide.pdf</strong></a></p>
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