Why do we need contribution charges?

The Council alongside Housing Benefit, if a resident is in receipt, is required to cover the cost of the accommodation.

Utility costs however are the responsibility of the resident. If a resident is in receipt of Universal Credit, this payment is expected to cover the cost for some of the utilities.  

The figures have been calculated upon the recommended utility contribution stated by the Department for Work & Pensions. This is standard practice across Local Government and echoes the procedures of other local authorities in Essex.