Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods setting out changes to the Leeds City Council Rent Arrears Procedure, proposed in preparation for the welfare changes that are due to take effect from 1st April 2013. The report also provides information on the anticipated impact of Housing Benefit changes.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing information on the proposed changes to the Rent Arrears Recovery Procedure and the anticipated impact of the Housing Benefit changes which came into effect from April 2013.  In particular, the report outlined the measures developed to ensure that tenants affected by the welfare changes were appropriately informed of how such changes would affect them and were made aware of the options open to them.

As part of the introduction to the report, emphasis was placed upon the need for the procedures to be conducted sensitively but earnestly.  Members welcomed the increased staffing resource which would provide intensive support to tenants and highlighted the expertise which existed within financial institutions across the city which could also potentially be utilised.  In addition, the Board also highlighted the prevalence of ‘loan shark’ companies which currently existed and emphasised the actions which needed to be taken at a national level to address this issue. 

In conclusion, it was requested that further reports be submitted to the Board in due course which provided updates upon the actions being taken by the Council and other agencies to support and inform individuals who were struggling with their personal finances.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expected impact of the welfare benefit changes coming into

effect from April 2013, be noted.

(b)  That the proposed changes to the Rent Arrears Recovery Procedure, be approved.

(c)  That further reports be submitted to the Board in due course which provide updates upon the actions being taken by the Council and other agencies to support and inform individuals who are struggling with their personal finances.