Agenda item - Rents Update

8.1      Sarah Barclay introduced the item and gave a verbal update on the challenges associated with Universal Credit migration, particularly the final cohort relating to Employment Support Allowance. They highlighted the resulting increase in demand on the service, along with the impact the migration is having on individuals’ ability to pay their rent and the council’s ability to collect rents.

8.2      Sarah Barclay outlined the support currently offered, including a dedicated officer targeting on residents moving onto Universal Credit and proactively contacting those identified as at risk of falling into rent arrears. They asked that any individuals concerned about paying their rent be encouraged to contact the team for assistance.

8.3      In response to a question from Michael Creedy, Sarah Barclay advised that individuals on housing benefits would be required to claim Universal Credit and that the position for those of state pension age is not yet clear, but the hope is that this will remain with housing benefits teams to be locally administered.

8.4      Justine Harris highlighted that if anything does change, there will be support available, and encouraged anyone experiencing difficulties to contact the team.

8.5      The Chair advised that the residents can ask that any future updates and reports be bought back to the panel so they can be kept up to date on what is happening.

8.6      In response to a question from Barney Miller regarding entitlement to discretionary money from the council, Sarah Barclay advised that individuals can apply for advanced payments through Universal Credit. They noted that residents often do not realise advance payments must be repaid, and encouraged anyone concerned to discuss this with the team.

8.7      In response to Ian Beck’s question regarding bedroom tax, Sarah Barclay advised that this should be the same and that if individuals are subject to an under-occupancy charge, this would be deducted on a monthly, rather than weekly, basis and that people can apply for help with this in certain circumstances.