Issue - meetings

To consider an update report on welfare reform and the introduction of Universal Credit.

The Housing Benefits manager outlined his report providing an update on welfare reform and the introduction of Universal Credit. He explained how Spelthorne Borough Council was addressing the challenges relating to:

·         the introduction of Universal Credit

·         the application of the Benefits Cap

·         the under occupancy charge and

·         the administration of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

and the effects they were having on Spelthorne claimants.

Councillor Pinkerton, the portfolio holder for Housing, advised that the introduction of Universal Credit (UC) affected very few Spelthorne residents at the present time but that the Housing team offered support and advice as needed. Once the migration of existing working age Housing Benefit claims to UC was underway, the Council would be able to provide more specific advice to each family.

Resolved to note the update on welfare reform and Universal Credit.