UNIVERSAL CREDIT - OVERVIEW Jon Hyde – Department for Work and Pensions Introduction – aims of session Universal Credit Context for reform

SIZE CRITERIA IN THE SOCIAL RENTED SECTOR Joe Stacey – Department for Work and Pensions The Size Criteria measure – what is it? Working-age and living in the social rented sector. Uses Local Housing Allowance criteria Two reduction rates probably in the range: 10%-15% for one bedroom under occupation; and 20%-25% for 2 bedroom plus under occupation. Expected to come into force from April 2013.

MAKING BETTER USE OF STOCK - DCLG Frances Walker – Department for Communities & Local Government Social housing reform We are making it easier for landlords to help under-occupiers to downsize, freeing up family sized housing for other families in need, by – changes to legislation in the Localism Bill which take existing tenants not in need out of the allocation rules introduction of a National Home Swap Scheme HomeSwap Direct : tenants who want to move will be able to register once and see full range of potential swaps We are making available £13m to help councils support under-occupying tenants who want to move, and fund an action team to work with landlords.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION Were you already aware of the change to HB and, if so, how did you find out about it? What do you think are likely to be the positive and negative outcomes from this change? What options will be available to tenants who are affected by the change? What can councils and landlords do to help tenants prepare for the change? Does your landlord have a scheme to help under-occupiers to downsize? Is this restricted to tenants over pension age?