Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Members received an update on the impact of welfare reform changes. The main changes were outlined, including those that had already been implemented and those that were awaited. It was reported that the additional charges and reduction in benefits for some was starting to have an impact which was identified by an increase in arrears. All those affected by the spare room subsidy had received a personal visit and had been given advice.

With regard to universal credit, it was noted that this had been delayed from the original roll out date of October 2013 and was now expected to be fully implemented by 2016-17. The Government appeared to have learned from the pilot schemes regarding direct payments, and it was now likely that direct payment would be possible where a tenant was in arrears.

During the presentation and discussion thereon, the following comments were made:

• Some people lacked the basic skills to be able to budget so required support;
• Payments totalling £75,000 had been made from the discretionary housing payment fund. It was noted that the fund was available to support housing costs and could be used for removal costs for example if a tenant facing a benefit reduction because of under-occupancy was moving to a smaller property;
•  It was reported that the authority had experienced difficulty in getting council tax payers to apply for the Discretionary discount fund, this was despite contacting them directly;
• The Leicestershire Welfare Provision fund could assist people in basic furnishing or by providing funds if someone lost their purse or their benefit money;
• There had been an increase in use of the foodbank and providers in the rural areas were sought, as well as looking at signposting to such services. It was felt that provision was not uniform and it was difficult to know how the scheme was administered in different areas and where the food could be obtained;
• It was reported that whilst some people subject to the under-occupancy charges had the option of moving to smaller properties, the lack of one-bedroom properties prevented some people from down-sizing.

RESOLVED –

(i)         the report be endorsed and the impact be reviewed again in 12 months;

(ii)        Investigate utilising Markfield Community Centre to secure Foodbank Provision in northern parishes.