Agenda item - Welfare Reform update

Extract from the proceedings of the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee meeting held on the 3^rd July 2017; together with a report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copies attached).

24.1      Councillor Daniel introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the government’s welfare reform programme and in particular the roll-out of Universal Credit in Brighton and Hove and the council’s response to it.  She also noted that a Members Advisory Group had been established and was working closely with officers on how those most affected could be supported and options for the council to consider.

24.2      Councillor West stated that he had asked for the report to be referred to the Council for information in view of the impact the changes were likely to have and to encourage all Members to consider what welfare reform meant for the most vulnerable in the city.  He noted that in recent years the number of private sector landlords willing to rent property to those on benefits had reduced from 46% to 18%.  He believed this was likely to get worse and create more demand for housing.

24.3      Councillor Bewick endorsed Councillor West’s comments and stated that he hoped all Members would look to take action on this matter.  He noted that there were a number households already reliant on food banks and 2,000 children in the city who were reliant on temporary or bed & breakfast accommodation.  There was a potential risk for the number of homeless to increase and this needed to be prevented.

24.4      Councillor Taylor acknowledged that it was an emotive subject and stated that when universal credit was fully rolled out then the impact could be seen.  He noted that the level of employment was at its highest for a number of years and that income inequality was at its lowest for thirty years.

24.5      Councillor Gibson welcomed the report and suggested that it should be taken into consideration by other committees in view of the implications that had been highlighted.  He noted the reduction in benefits for the poorest in the city whilst England was the 6^th richest country in world and queried how this could be the case.  He hoped that every Member would consider the implications of the report for those in the city and the council itself.

24.6      Councillor Daniel welcomed the comments and noted that resources were being put into this area and that the Members Advisory Group would continue to look at options that were available to tackle the situation.

24.7      The Mayor stated that the report had been referred for information and moved that it be noted.

24.8      RESOLVED: That the report be noted.