Issue - meetings

That the Committee note the report and continue to offer support to the ongoing work that is being undertaken by the Council, together with its partners, to manage the full impact of the present and future welfare reforms from falling upon Flintshire’s most vulnerable households.

The Senior Manager, Customer Support, presented an update on the implementation of Universal Credit (UC) and progress being made by the Council and its partners to manage the impact of welfare reforms.  The report also highlighted some emerging issues from reforms to date and those yet to be introduced.  The Council’s proactive response to managing the reforms had been identified as good practice and Welsh Government had commissioned the Council to deliver training on welfare reforms across other Authorities in Wales (currently being undertaken by the Advice and Homelessness Manager).  A workshop would be held on 8 July to brief Flintshire Council Members.

The Senior Manager gave an overview of the UC implementation programme where the phased rollout of the full service meant a rise in the number of claimants.  To raise awareness and help prepare for the changes, the Neighbourhood Housing Service was engaging with tenants and providing training to Housing officers.  The report detailed a range of issues experienced with elements of UC processes such as delayed housing costs within UC awards which could be viewed as a risk to private landlords.  In addition, some low-paid workers would be subject to some level of in-work conditionality which required them to increase their working hours or income levels, to avoid having their UC award sanctioned.  During an update on the effects of the Bedroom Tax in Flintshire, it was explained that pre-tenancy checks were being carried out as a safeguarding measure.  Information was also shared on the potential significant impact of restricting Housing Benefit awards and the need for greater focus on alternative housing options for vulnerable people and single people under 35 who were at risk from the changes.  In relation to the benefit cap, Council officers were working with Job Centre Plus and communicating with households for whom there could be severe financial consequences.

The Chairman spoke about the potential risk if there was a reduction in the number of private landlords willing to rent to UC claimants.  The Senior Manager commented that delayed payments should not be an issue if the transition to UC was managed effectively.

Councillor Paul Shotton praised the work being done by the Council’s Housing Solutions team and stressed the importance of all Members attending the forthcoming workshop.  He raised concerns about delays in housing cost payments to UC claimants, particularly for those employed on zero hours contracts.

In response to concerns about the restricted Housing Benefit awards for single people under 35, the Chief Officer said that various options were being considered including house sharing and re-designating stock.  She also highlighted the importance of outcomes from the national review of supported accommodation.

Following a query from Councillor Paul Cunningham on alternative payment arrangements, officers gave an explanation on the process for making direct payments to landlords.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin suggested that the workshop could have been held at an earlier stage in the process.  Her concerns were around housing provision for the under-35 single people group and the need to look  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5