After reading the article again I'm not sure I totally believe it. The maximum amount of housing benefit you can receive for that type of property in in that area of London is £2000 per month. Just google LHA and see for yourself. Maybe they get the other £6000 in other benefits, wouldn't surprise me.
Well I have just opened todays post and am giggling because there is a ten (yes ten) page letter informing me they have overpaid me Housing Benefit of 5pence. Fantastic!