The Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Reduction in certain cases of amounts to be taken into accountN.I.

Deduction from relevant payments of amounts relating to use of particular accommodationN.I.

30.  In determining the amount of any relevant payment to be taken into account under paragraph 5, a deduction is to be made for any amount which the Department is satisfied—

(a)is included in the relevant payment, but

(b)relates to the supply to the accommodation of a commodity (such as water or fuel) for use by any member of the renter's extended benefit unit.

Relevant payments excessiveN.I.

31.  Where it appears to the Department that—

(a)the amount of any relevant payment for which the renter is liable in respect of accommodation occupied by the renter is greater than it is reasonable to meet by way of the housing costs element under this Part, and

(b)the amount of the relevant payment that, at the time of the calculation under this Part, a landlord might reasonably have expected to obtain is a lower amount,

the lower amount is to be used in making the calculation under this Part instead of the amount of the relevant payment for which the renter is liable, unless the Department is satisfied that it is not appropriate to use that lower amount.