Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Resources providing information on the impact of the Housing Benefit changes which will come into effect from April 2013 and the additional Government funding aimed at supporting certain groups to manage the change. The report considers the likely demand for additional funding support and includes a proposed policy for the assessment and award of support for those affected by the Housing Benefit changes.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing information on the impact of the Housing Benefit changes which were scheduled to come into effect from April 2013, together with details of the additional Government funding which would be introduced and was aimed at supporting certain groups to manage the change. In addition, the report considered the likely demand for additional funding support and included a proposed policy for the assessment and award of support for those groups affected by the changes.

The Board noted the liaison work which had been undertaken by the ALMOs in respect of tenants, highlighted the further liaison work which was to be undertaken and it was emphasised that every effort would be made to ensure that all of those affected would have access to an effective multi-agency support network. 

Members highlighted the increased demand on the provision of support and advice which had already been experienced, and was further expected to be experienced by the Council and other agencies as a result of the reforms, and it was requested that further work be undertaken to monitor such demand levels against current resources. In addition, reference was made to the health and wellbeing implications arising from the reforms which were being experienced, both by those affected by the changes and also by the frontline staff supporting them.

With regard to the proposals regarding Elected Member involvement in the appeals process, it was requested that further discussion be had in respect of the political composition of the Elected Members involved.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expected impact of the benefit changes, coming into effect from April 2013, be noted.

(b)  That the policy for the award and assessment of Discretionary Housing Payments for 2013/14 be approved.

(c)  That further work be undertaken to monitor the demand levels for the provision of support and advice against current resources, which are experienced by the Council and other agencies as a result of the reforms.

(d)  That further discussion be had in respect of the political composition of the Elected Members who would be involved in the appeals process.