Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report which provided an update on the emerging impacts that Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ was having on residents in Flintshire and how it would impact further as it was ‘rolled out’.

The Benefits Manager explained that the ‘Full Service’ replaced six legacy benefits for working-age claimants which were:

·         Housing Benefit;

·         Income Support;

·         Job Seekers Allowance;

·         Employment Support;

·         Child Tax Credit; and

·         Working Tax Credit

From April to June 2017 there were 362 customers in receipt of Universal Credit ‘Full Service’, 65 of whom had been identified as requiring Personal Budgeting Support which had been provided by Flintshire’s Welfare Reform Response Team.  Officers had provided 352 customers with assisted digital support in managing their claims online.

The report provided details on the impact on rent arrears, council tax arrears, other services and partners and highlighted the support being offered to customers.

Personal Budgeting and Support cases had already highlighted issues including payday lenders having direct access to a customer’s bank account so that when their monthly Universal Credit was paid they were accessing the account and leaving the customer with insufficient funds to live on each month. 

Training and communications were being delivered to all front line staff to provide advice and guidance in how best to support customers in receipt of Universal Credit.

Councillor Mullin paid tribute to the Benefits Manager and her staff who were doing a good job in supporting customers since the roll out of Universal Credit.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and ongoing work to manage the impacts that Universal Credit ‘Full Service’ has and will have upon Flintshire’s most vulnerable households be supported.