Does anyone have access to information on how rent officers set local reference rents? They always seem to be well below the amount most people have to pay and bear no relation to private rented sector rents. Also interested in any info regarding campaigns / publicity about shortfalls in HB. Most of my calls about HB concern hardship caused by shortfalls. Any info gratefully received.

The rent service do havew a website @ www.therentservice.gov.uk
which does include information and some online publications about rent officers and their work, including this, admittedly not very detailed leaflet -

The Rent Service and Housing Benefit