SCORES of families in East Hampshire could face a bleak future, even eviction, after having their benefits cut back.

Social housing provider for the district Radian says it knows of 40 households who will be affected by the new lower benefit cap being introduced from Monday, November 7.

East Hampshire District Council manages housing benefit payments and says it calculates that 58 families may be affected.

Now couples and single people claiming benefit here will only be eligible for £20,000 a year, including child and housing benefit.

For couples and single parents this is £384.62 a week, or £1,666.67 per month, a potential reduction of £116 a week.

For single people the cap will be £257.69 a week, or £1,116.67 per month, a cut of about £90 a week.

The cap is designed to encourage benefit claimants into work, but could also leave people struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Assistant Director of Inclusion from Radian Housing and Customer Services Sandra Theckston said: “About 40 Radian households in East Hampshire will be affected, and our team has been supporting them in understanding how they will be affected by the changes, helping to review their benefits to ensure they are receiving what they are entitled to, and assisting with money management and job opportunities where possible.

“This will continue to ensure that we are doing all that we can to help residents affected by the changes.”

In a statement East Hampshire District Council said: “We calculate that 58 households will be affected, and we have discussed the issues with them.

“Where claimants are struggling financially we are working with the Jobcentre Plus to encourage them to meet their job coach and look at how the Department of Work and Pensions can support them into the work place or increase their hours at work.

“Some families may also be offered an initial Discretionary Housing Payment."The council has a statutory responsibility to assess anyone who may be homeless or threatened with homelessness, therefore if they are facing eviction for any reason we would have a duty to investigate. Potentially there could be a financial burden on the council if we see an increase in cases.”

With a huge social housing waiting list in the district, many benefit claimants rent privately – the rent on a two bedroom house in Petersfield is more than £1,000.

Analysis by the Chartered Institute of Housing shows families most likely to be affected live in high cost areas, like the South East and London.

And charities like Shelter say it could leave families unable to pay their rent.

A Shelter spokesman said: “We’re concerned that this additional squeeze will increase the risk of homelessness. And we’ll be seeking changes to ensure that local authorities can support families when the worst happens as a result of these reforms.”

Radian tenants who feel they need help and support are asked to contact Radian on 0300 123 1 567.

East Hampshire residents who may want advice can contact the council on 01730 266551.