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.