We have some hostels and are looking at charging on a daily basis rather than weekly. I know that where payment of hb is to the landlord it is paid four weekly in arrears.Is there any exception to this for hostels where the tenant could be in there for a very short stay.

Very few people realise this, but no HB doesn't have to be paid 4 weekly in arrears, it can be paid weekly, 4 weekly, calendar monthly etc. as per HB reg 88...

"Time and manner of payment
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and regulations 90 to 97 (frequency of payment of rent allowance, and payment on account of a rent allowance, payment provisions, offsetting) the relevant authority shall pay housing benefit to which a person is entitled under these Regulations at such time and in such manner as is appropriate, having regard to - a) the times at which and the frequency with which a person's liability to make payment of rent arises, and (b) the reasonable needs and convenience of the person entitled thereto".

But, the effect of HB the Jan '96 changes might mean that payment must be made 4 weekly (or pcm if you prefer), in arrears...

The problem comes inthe words "Subject to.......regulations 90 to 97"

Regulation 90 Requires payments to landlords to be paid either 4 weekly (2A) or monthly (2B)and in arrears (2).

There is a little more flexibility where payment is not made to the landlord.