The British Property Federation (BPF) has dismissed moves by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to change housing benefit policy 'via the backdoor' as making a mockery of the consultation process.

A consultation paper issued by the DWP plans to overhaul benefit payments changing the way they are calculated. Rather than being calculated on a local basis, they are set to be worked out on a larger, regional basis, leaving thousands out of pocket. Setting rates across a wider band of post codes would have a massive baring on the amount of benefit paid.

The DWP is seeking to overturn the outcome of the 'Heffernan' judgement last July in the House of Lords, which successfully challenged changing the way benefits were calculated.

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Cabinet Office rules state that consultations should run for three months, but because this is a change to existing policy, it is allowed to run for one week, with many stakeholders unaware of its existence and the fact that the consultation closes today.

The BPF is pressing for benefits to remain calculated on a local basis and insisting that the consultation period be extended so that those affected can respond.

This change would give the DWP a significant amount of power to define the areas they want without properly or fairly consulting on the issue.

BPF Residential Director, Ian Fletcher, said: "This makes a mockery of the word 'consultation'. If DWP is going to consult, then it should do so properly. If it does not feel the issue warrants 'consultation' then it should have the front to explain why.

"At present, what we have is a Government department trying to tick the box of consultation through sheer tokenism. When you meet landlords many have a total disrespect for DWP. That is a tremendous pity, but reflects a lack of transparency and engagement which is very unhealthy for good policymaking."

(CD)