The Mobile Advice Centre is back in town!

The Mobile Advice Centre is in Manchester to give free advice about the government's Housing Benefit rule changes. These start to affect private tenants from January 2012. 

There are several changes that might affect you if you rent your home from a private landlord.

• The LHA rates are going down. Many private tenants have their Housing Benefit based on these rates, so their benefit will go down.
• There is no longer a 'five-bedroom' LHA rate. This means that large families who were getting Housing Benefit at this rate will be restricted to the 'four-bedroom' rate - their benefit is likely to go down.
• Single people aged under 35 may be restricted to a lower 'shared accommodation rate' for their Housing Benefit, so their benefit may go down.

If you think you may be affected by these changes and you need advice, you can speak to an advisor from the special team of staff (the LHA Transition Team) who will be on board the Mobile Advice Centre.

These trained staff will be able to answer your questions and help you with your housing options. They can provide advice and support and can even help you in talks with your landlord.

Drop in and speak to an advisor between 9.30 am and 3 pm on:

• Wednesday 4 April at Gorton Market, Garratt Way, M18 8LD.
• Wednesday 25 April at Harpurhey Market, Rochdale Road/Church Lane, M9 4BP.
• Thursday 26 April at Wythenshawe Market, Poundswick Lane, M22 5RF.
• Friday 18 May at Gorton Market, Garratt Way, M18 8LD.
• Wednesday 6 June at Harpurhey Market, Rochdale Road/Church Lane, M9 4BP.

Read more about the Housing Benefit rule changes. 
Read more about what the LHA Transition Team do and how to contact them. 

The purpose-built Mobile Advice Centre is fully equipped with office facilities, including private interview rooms.  It has a ramp for easy access and an induction loop system to help if you use a hearing aid. 

The Mobile Advice Centre is an initiative by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).