The figures for the central grant and upper spending for Discretionary Housing Payments were released by the government on Wednesday.

Nottingham has again seen its grant and the maximum it is allowed to spend reduced for the sixth year in a row because of massive underspending of the funds.

By being too strict with these payments to tenants in financial hardship the City Council is sending the false message that Nottingham doesn't need the funding, when nothing could be further from the truth.

More here;

 http://ncclols.blogspot.com/2009/01/discretionary-housing-payments-update.html

Earlier post on this issue

 http://ncclols.blogspot.com/2009/01/theyre-on-your-side-part-2.html

More on DHPs from 'Shelter'

 http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/discretionary_housing_payments

Nottingham City Council's take on DHPs (note; there is nothing in the law which says they can only be paid for a 'short period' like they claim)

 http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/sitemap/services/housing/sshb_housing_benefit/sshb_discretionary_housing_payments.htm