Agenda item - Presentation from the Housing Income Management team on Universal Credit and methods of payment

20.1    The panel considered a presentation from the Housing Income Management Team on Universal Credit and methods of payment, it was clarified that BHCC was not involved in the administration of Universal Credit in any way and that this was conducted via the system in place at Central Government. It was further noted that there was tailored support for residents.

20.2    A resident enquired what provisions were in place for people that were unable to access the internet and pensioners with no knowledge of the process.

20.3    An officer responded to the resident with the following:

·       Officers would be willing to visit residents and help with the application process

·       700 households were currently enrolled in universal credit

·       Processes existed with weekly reports to focus on rent accounts that entered arrears

·       Wide spectrums of data were being considered in the effort to address any rent issues in future

·       It was clarified that BHCC would not be looking to stop people from moving whilst in arrears

20.4    Residents raised that the new benefit system from central government seemed to be designed to make rent collection difficult for councils. Residents added that these issues needed to be taken to higher authorities where decision making happens as this was from central powers and very political.

20.5    RESOLVED – that the panel agreed to not the report.