A RADICAL shake-up of Housing Benefit, which has given tenants the keys to a better life is being extended - thanks to a pilot scheme run in St Helens.

St Helens Council was one of nine local authorities chosen to test the implications of a national roll-out of a new flat-rate housing allowance which could see 70 per cent of tenants across the councils up to £30 a week better off. Around 1,900 tenants in St Helens who pay rent to private landlords and get help with housing costs are now set to benefit from a fairer and simpler service along with thousands across the country.

More than 70 councils volunteered to pilot this scheme, and St Helens' selection recognises the council's reputation as an Excellent council - the first on Merseyside to be awarded that status. St Helens is the only council on Merseyside involved in the pilot.

The new system pays tenants a flat-rate based on the size of their family and the cost of renting in their area. The money goes direct to the tenants, rather than the landlord, giving them greater choice over where they live. If the new rate is higher than the rent being charged by the landlord, then the tenant gets to keep the difference, which in St Helens could be up to £30 per week for many households.

Combined with the evaluation of nine original 'Pathfinder' councils currently operating the LHA, the experience of St Helens Council, landlords and tenants will inform the national roll-out of the LHA in the private sector.

Council leader, Marie Rimmer said: "The Local Housing Allowance is an exciting pilot which will make a massive difference to tenants living in the private rented sector, providing them with choice, opportunity and in many cases, extra income".