Redacting personal information on bank statements

[Mylifenotscrutiny]

So, have been told we have to submit bank statements to LA (assessment for housing reasons)
They said need to see the income-fair enough so I sent them in but redacted every other transaction. They can see all the income but have said they want them sent without blacked areas ? Can they do this ?
If they can see the income why does it matter ?

If I were happy submitting my income then I'd just submit the whole statement, because I can understand in the process that income without expenditure is fairly meaningless.

What I don't understand is exactly why someone with a lifetime secure tenancy needs to show their income unless they are not in discussions about arrears or a property swap. That is the question I would start with; "why do you need to know my income" and follow up with a Freedom of Information request if necessary.
I really don't mean to worry you OP, but the timing is too.convenient and I think they may have you flagged as up for review at the 5 year limit: www.theguardian.com/society/2015/dec/09/council-tenants-lose-lifetime-right-to-live-in-property. It isn't supposed to be retrospective, but the LA may have got confused OR think there is a loophole. If that's the case, speak with Citizen's Advice Bureau or Shelter if needed, it may be better not to engage with the process but instead to force them to update their records to be clear about your tenancy status.

Ah feck OP I thought you meant you were making a new application 🤦🏼‍♀️ apologies!

I don't think that anyone can give a good answer to this unless we know more details about what they want the details for,

Not sure why they want it if your all up to date with rent
I have a ha house for 18 years I have never had to send them my earnings or bank statement .
Maybe if I applied to buy I would have to ?
If a secure tenancy then its lifetime usually , there was talk years ago of charging ha/ council tenants who earnt over a certain amount full market rent but this wasn't adopted in the end and don't think councils can do this off their own back as they have to stick to rent rules for ha etc

What does assessment for housing reasons mean?

Maybe things have changed in 15 years in regards to the life tenancy.

My partners mum has lived in her federated housing for 25 years but in the last few years they have been trying to push her out.
Housing is short, she could probably afford private rent and she definitely doesn’t need a three bedroom anymore.

Checks where they look at bank statement are common with housing (any kind of mortgage or renting), and yes you need to show them.

Why are they asking for documents—I’m a bit confused because you say you’re not applying for anything? It sounds like you are though?

You realise affordability has criteria and steps they have to take. When you’re getting a mortgage to pay 500 a month they have a hissyfit that this is not affordable even if you’ve been paying 1k rent a month for 40 years. Because there are underwriters and clear criteria they have to follow, they can’t just say “ah sure why not”

Ask, I work in housing and this is unheard of, if there are no affordability issues or arrears on your account. Providing this info services no purpose. As they are not actually helping you with anything.

Is this normal in the UK? It sounds incredibly intrusive.

@DorisLessingsCat

What exactly is "private" about your bank transactions? You know the bank employees can see them?

I expect the bank is subject to hefty data protection and privacy laws.

@Sassy31

Ask, I work in housing and this is unheard of, if there are no affordability issues or arrears on your account. Providing this info services no purpose. As they are not actually helping you with anything.

What do you mean? Thai has been required for every single one of the six houses I have rented, as well as for the mortgage I got?

What is the assessment for? I've worked in social housing and thought any assessment for affordability was done at point of offering tenancy (because otherwise things could change).
are you looking for a move OP?

@ThreeFeetTall

What is the assessment for? I've worked in social housing and thought any assessment for affordability was done at point of offering tenancy (because otherwise things could change). are you looking for a move OP?

I wasn’t told a reason and I have been pushing - I keep getting told it ‘just an assessment’ I’m going to call again tomorrow and ask as it seems unnecessary. I haven’t asked for a move no.

OP, why are they asking you as you've said it's a LA property with a lifetime tenancy but you've not said why they are asking.

Are you claiming either housing or council tax benefit?

If you are, then it's a reasonable thing to ask for and honestly, I'd have suspended any existing claim on the spot as redaction raises all manner of alarm bells. Transfers to other accounts and so on.

We really need the context on this one.

In that case OP definitely find out more information before you give any information at all!

I have family who live in council housing and I privately rent myself. Never ever have any of us been asked to hand over bank statements to landlords or the council and been told all transactions must be in show. I'm not sure how accurate the claim

Im shocked that people can't understand why you wouldn't want privacy and would like to know why they want so much personal info when you are not applying for anything and it makes no difference to your lifetime tenancy agreement that you've been paying without any hassle for 15 years. It's not thing to do with having anything to hide but even if she did want to hide something she finds embarrassing like she hires a sex worker twice a week, then she should be able to cover that outgoing up with just the amount on display but what the purchase is should be able to be private.

If you'd been paying a mortgage for fifteen years and the bank randomly got in touch wanting to go see your spending over the last few months to make sure you can still afford and manage your money, you'd not be asked why you think your banking should be private, or what you have to hide.

If you're not getting a straight answer in writing as to why they need to see your outgoings, then ask for where it details in their policies as a social registered landlord why they need this information.

Otherwise it's a service that's outside the policy directives and not necessarily something that should affect your tenancy, ie it's guidance they are offering but not a legal obligation that you have to fulfil.

Hey, I don’t think I was clear in my last post - generally if you live in council housing or a housing association property. If you are not in receipt of any benefits and are not in rent arrears. Your landlord would not be asking for your bank statements. As there is no need. As the poster is a long term secure tenant. She should clarify what and why this information is needed.
As you would normally only provide this info before you signed the tenancy to ensure you could pay your rent. Not 15 years later and there are no arrears or affordability issues.
Social landlord don’t generally create work for themselves if the tenant isn’t in arrears.