Agenda item

(a)       That the impact that ongoing Welfare Reforms will have on Flintshire residents and the actions being taken to support residents where possible, be noted; and

(b)       That a joint meeting with the Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee be included in the Forward Work Programme for 2017/18.

The Benefits Manager introduced a report on the main changes to the benefit system for those in work and out of work, together with actions being taken to support households affected by the rollout of Universal Credit (UC) full service from April 2017.  She gave a presentation covering the following areas:

·         impact of pre-2015 reforms

·         impact of the 2015 budgets

·         the lower Benefit Cap affecting 5 times as many households

·         number of households showing level of impact in 2016

·         analysis of households with high impact

·         high impact by ward

·         UC impact

·         2020 scenario

·         Flintshire vs national average

Since November 2016, a significant increase was reported in the number of households affected by the reduction in the Benefit celing.  Although support was being given to some families through Discretionary Housing Payments, Members’ assistance was sought in helping the team to continue efforts to engage with others most at risk.  A number of key changes from April 2017 included the introduction of digital claim processing as well as alternative payment arrangements and in-work conditionality which were viewed as significant challenges.  Whilst a range of support and proactive approaches were being implemented by the Council to mitigate effects, there were growing concerns about the increasing number of people affected negatively.  The Benefits Manager agreed to provide the Committee with the list of households with high impact, broken down by ward.

The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) said that many claimants may not be aware that even minor changes in circumstances would instigate an end to their transitional protection.

Following concerns from Councillor Rosetta Dolphin, the Chief Officer referred to a range of support including practical digital help available in Flintshire Connects and libraries.  However, the significant increased demand for help, particularly for vulnerable residents, meant there was greater reliance on a wider network of support involving third sector organisations.  A detailed analysis of the implications and anticipated risks to homelessness services would be brought to Cabinet.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood referred to the availability of additional support in the voluntary sector.

Councillor Paul Shotton commended the work of the team in helping residents.  The Benefits Manager reaffirmed the Council’s commitment in seeking to mitigate, where possible, the impacts of reforms set by the UK Government.  Officers were also working to raise awareness of real-life scenarios facing claimants.  More detailed information would be given at the forthcoming workshop to highlight the issue amongst Members and seek their help in engaging with residents.  As requested by Councillor Dolphin, a copy of the letter to be sent to tenants would be shared with all Members to help their understanding of the UC changes.

Councillor David Cox asked about the Council’s capacity to continue its support.  The Benefits Manager described welfare reforms as an organisational issue, affecting not just the Benefits team.  Discussions with the voluntary/third sector were continuing and Members’ help was needed in spreading the message to the public about the issue and signposting to support available.  Training given to officers was centred on understanding customers’ journeys and identifying those most at risk.  Whilst this was a proactive approach, there was inevitably a degree of reactiveness as the full impact of reforms was not yet known.

Councillor Helen Brown reminded Members that Discretionary Housing Payments were only awarded in emergency cases and were not a long-term solution.  She pointed out that the risks on welfare reforms were not necessarily confined to rent arrears and could lead to domestic and personal issues.

Councillor Aaron Shotton said that the mitigation of welfare reform impacts were a key part of the Council’s Improvement Plan and that significant spend had been allocated to date to support claimants.  Whilst the Council had taken an early proactive approach, continued engagement with the Department of Work & Pensions was vital to identify additional resources moving forward.  Councillor Shotton took the opportunity to commend Paul Neave for his excellent work and knowledge on this matter and to wish him well on his appointment as Head of Advisory Services for Welsh Government.

In highlighting the importance of supporting the most vulnerable residents, particularly those with mental health issues, Councillor Ian Dunbar proposed a joint meeting with the Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee in the new Council term.  Following agreement by the Committee, the Facilitator agreed to add this suggestion to the Forward Work Programme.

In praising the Council’s approach, Councillor Paul Cunningham said that the DWP and UK Government must also take responsibility for spreading awareness amongst residents as part of their duty of care in introducing welfare reforms.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the impact that ongoing Welfare Reforms will have on Flintshire residents and the actions being taken to support residents where possible, be noted; and

(b)       That a joint meeting with the Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee be included in the Forward Work Programme for 2017/18.