Description of Service: From 7th April 2008 Local Housing Allowance is being introduced for some private tenant Housing Benefit Claimants. Local Housing Allowance will be based on the Area in which they live (the Isle of Wight is considered to be one area), Size of the household, a rate based on the number of rooms required by the household composition. Any new claims received which are due to start on or after this date will be assessed under the new rules. As currently with Housing Benefit, entitlement to the LHA will be subject to a means test and proof of a valid tenancy. Payments will be made to the tenant rather than the Landlord.