Welfare Reform Housing Benefit Changes Almond Neighbourhood Partnership 27 February 2013

2 Purpose of Update 1.Latest update on benefit changes 2.Update on actions to inform tenants and help them plan for the change

3 Housing Benefit Under Occupation Main Changes from April 2013 Affects working age tenants claiming Housing Benefit who have more bedrooms than the new rules say they need Housing Benefit will be reduced by: - 14% Total rent due - one extra bedroom - 25% Total rent due - 2 or more extra bedrooms

4 Current Tenants – HB Under Occupation (as at early Jan 13) 3,583 Council tenants on housing benefit identified as affected 87% (3,114) of those affected – 14% reduction - one extra bedroom (£13 - £15 per week) 13% (469) of those affected – 25% reduction - 2 or more extra bedrooms (£20 - £27 per week)

5 Advice for Starting a Tenancy The current Lettings Policy is unchanged – this still allows single people or couples to bid for two bedroom homes Tenants will be made aware if they get HB, and they bid for a home that is bigger than the rules say, they will be expected to pay the difference If they fall into rent arrears because they don’t pay the shortfall, they will face eviction and could lose their home Tenants that are going to under occupy their home will be asked at tenancy sign up to sign a form indicating that they’re aware of the risk

6 Advice for Existing Tenants Local neighbourhoods are contacting all tenants identified as affected Checking tenants’ current household circumstances - are they under occupying? Support providers contacting those who are currently receiving support Making tenants aware of the choices available and support available

7 Choices for Tenants that are Under Occupying Pay the shortfall between their rent and their HB Increase their income/reduce outgoings Have somebody move in Apply for additional financial help (Discretionary Housing Payments) Move to a smaller home

8 Getting the Message to Tenants Communications plan/strategy in place Training and information for staff Further general information Jan 13 rent statement Postcards to council tenants affected – 7 February 2013 Benefits letter to affected council & RSL tenants from 11 February 13 Local open days/events being planned in neighbourhood offices

9 Universal Credit(1) Universal Credit will be launched in 2013 and will replace: Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Child Tax Credits Working Tax Credits Housing Benefit

10 Universal Credit (2) Will be introduced on a phased basis from October 2013 (starting with new applicants) Will be paid directly to the applicant Will be capped at a weekly rate of £350 for a single applicant or £500 for couples or lone parent households

11 Summary of the Council’s Approach Responsibility to collect rent/service charges as this pays for services and supports investment in new and existing homes Tenants responsibility to pay rent due – need to be fair to all tenants Help tenants make an informed choice about their best option for the household Overall aim is to help tenants remain in their homes and prevent homelessness

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13 Please contact me! Karen Allan  :  : Thank you