Agenda item

The Committee was reminded that at its meeting held on the 14^th February, 2019 (Minute 5 refers) it had, following consideration of a report on the roll-out of Universal Credit within Carmarthenshire, requested an update report be in six months with invitations to attend being extended to the Department for Work and Pensions and Carmarthenshire Citizens Advice. In accordance with that decision the Chair welcomed to the meeting Adele Lodwig and Maria Brookfield from the Council’s Housing Division together with Menna Davies - Department for Work and Pensions and Hayley Price and Suzanne Gainard - Carmarthenshire Citizen’s Advice.

The Committee thereupon received an update report on the effect of universal credit on council tenants together with presentations from the above named attendees on the roll-out of Universal Credit within Carmarthenshire from their individual organisation’s perspective e.g.:-

-       Department of Work and Pensions –introduction and implementation of Universal Credit, including current arrangements for new claimants and the managed migration by December 2023 for all existing claimants receiving legacy payments.

-       Carmarthenshire Citizen Advice – providing advice and support for existing legacy benefit claimants moving to universal credit and all new claimants via a variety of avenues e.g. face to face, including office based interviews and home visits, web-chat, national phone service and I.T. support in completing on-line forms. That advice included individual assessments and whether it would be beneficial for existing legacy benefit claimants to remain on those benefits or to transfer to universal credit

-       Carmarthenshire’s Housing Division-– adoption of a pro-active approach for its tenants by providing early contact and identifying any who could, potentially, be at risk under the new arrangements. A pre-tenancy team had been established to help and support prospective tenants to manage their finances and tenancies. That included the early submission of benefit claims to ensure the commencement of benefit payments coincided with the start of the tenancy, as payments could not be backdated.

Members of the Committee were afforded the opportunity of asking questions on the report/presentations which included the following:-

·         Reference was made to the increased use of food banks within Carmarthenshire, as detailed within the report. It was acknowledged that whilst food bank usage had increased, it could not be wholly attributable to the introduction of Universal Credit with. It was however noted that the application process for universal credit was complex, particularly during the early stages when claimants were not receiving payments, with the average time between claim submission and initial payment being 5 weeks, paid in arrears. Claimants facing financial hardship during this period were signposted to food banks and other avenues for assistance. Advance payments of up to 100% were available, repayable over a twelve month period. It was also acknowledged that whilst the initial roll out had not been successful, potentially leading to an increase in the numbers attending food banks, the removal of the initial 7 day waiting period before entitlement to Universal Credit could begin had, hopefully, alleviated the level of need.

·         In reference to a question on supporting the Welsh Government’s research into the impact of Universal Credit on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and rent arrears in Wales, that involved all Welsh Local Authorities providing the Government with quarterly rental income figures. Carmarthenshire had also written to all 957 of its tenants receiving U.C (as at the 30^th September 2019) seeking their experiences of the new system.

It was acknowledged the level of rent arrears being experienced by the authority following the introduction of Universal Credit had not increased in line with original predictions, with the Council faring better than some other Welsh local authorities. That position could be attributable to the Council’s pro-active approach of providing tailored advice and support to its more vulnerable tenants to navigate the new claims system.

·         In response to a question on support for veterans, it was confirmed the council, via its pre-tenancy team, provided help and guidance to veterans in need, including accessing funds and budget management. Measures were also in place to help reduce rent arrears / stop the rent arrears process for veterans with mental health issues. The Department for Work and Pensions had trained staff within its job centres to provide advice and support to veterans and, where needed, could call upon the experience of other veterans to provide additional support. Both the County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions were members of the Armed Forces Covenant.

·         Reference was made to the potential adverse impact that could be encountered by people on benefits who shared their home with other family members claiming benefits. It was noted the council had arrangements in place to assist such individuals by providing a ’wrap around service’ to meet their individual needs.

·         Reference was made to the unusual position this year where there were 53 rent payable weeks whilst universal credit was being paid every four calendar weeks resulting in claimants missing a week. The situation had been drawn to the Minister’s attention and was currently being examined.

·         It was confirmed homeless persons were eligible for universal credit and to receive assistance in providing accommodation.

·         It was noted that a recent rough sleeper count had not found any evidence of that occurring. However, if members were aware of rough sleepers or person affected by homelessness they were requested to contact the housing division for the appropriate level of assistance to be provided.

·         In response to a question on staffing arrangements within the Tenancy Support Team, it was confirmed Welsh Government funding for two posts was due to cease shortly but bids had been submitted to the Housing Revenue Account to fund their ongoing cost in light of the valuable support they provided.

·         In response to a question on support available to the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Community, it was confirmed queries received by the Council’s housing division from members of that community were signposted to Citizens Advice which had the appropriate provisions/mechanisms in place to assist, including a dedicated language line.

·         Reference was made to the three presentations received by the Committee that morning and a suggestion made that a similar presentation be provided to all members of council, via a members seminar, to apprise them on the roll out of Universal Credit within Carmarthenshire

The Chair thanked the representatives for their presentations and in attending the meeting

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that arrangements be made for the convening of a members’ seminar on the roll out of Universal Credit within Carmarthenshire.