1. Scottish Government/CoSLA National Homelessness Event Welfare Reform Activities Clare Mailer 18 th September 2012

2. Contents Welfare Reform Scottish Government Funding Welfare Reform Mitigation Activities Welfare Reform Training National Housing Options Event Next Steps

3. Welfare Reform Mitigation Bid Scottish Government Proposed Activities: Identification of high risk groups Increase income maximisation Focus on at risk tenants Rent reduction activities with private landlords Communication activity Web based advice and information Development of flat sharing opportunities Tayside, Fife, Central Hub Bid: Welfare Reform Staff Training Develop information and publicity materials National/Regional Networking Event

4. Welfare Reform Training Child Poverty Action Group Welfare Reform Training: 18 full day courses Range of locations 340 delegates Training Packs Aims: To understand the key welfare reforms To know the timeline for changes To know the potential impacts on individuals To inform planning to prepare for Welfare Reforms

5. Welfare Reform Training Trainee Feedback: “Course was excellent – helped me grasp the potential impacts of the proposed reforms.” “Information was relevant to my job – very informative.” “ All aspects were useful and knowledge gained will help and assist my service users.” “Good grounding of structure changes and benefit changes.” “Having a look at risks and remedies by identifying potential issues can put effective/ practical solutions in place.”

6. Welfare Reform Event Focus of the event: Bring together local and national partners Awareness Raising / Good practice sharing Consider challenges – Housing Options / Welfare Reform Plan future activities

7. Welfare Reform Event Format of event: Over 100 delegates / 35 organisations Presentations Round Table Discussions 14 World Café Stalls Interactive E- Vote Hub panel Q&A session

8. Welfare Reform Event

9. Talking Points/ Shared concerns: Putting the customer at the centre Financial Implications Streamlining processes / System improvements Delivering services and developing new ones Performance management / quality assurance Lack of information from UK government Low public awareness Impacts of reforms already being noticed

10. Welfare Reform Event Important practice points: Better engagement / Know our customers Clear simple consistent message Smarter working Developing IT systems and digital inclusion Joint working / Organisational collaborations Developing community resilience More targeted services / more knowledgeable staff Business planning – strategic and operational

11. Welfare Reform Event Future Developments / Activities: Early intervention / prevention / mediation Flat share Schemes Use of Credit Unions Access to Private Sector Agreed National Outcomes for Housing Options Fast track Money / Benefits Advice Tenancy Sustainment Financial Health checks Improved Communication

12. Welfare Reform Event

14. Outcomes from training needs analysis Staff training and awareness raising Customer information / awareness Housing Options Service Audit Collective responsibility Income maximisation Next Steps