Local Authority update Louisa Forsey Senior Benefits Officer

Local Authority update Louisa Forsey Senior Benefits Officer South Dorset Revenues and Benefits Partnership (Westwey)

Local Authority Update March 18 �Universal Credit – Our Story so far … �What’s new? �What’s to come? �What can we do to help?

Universal Credit – Our story so far… I’m sure its not escaped your notice but … � 6 th December 2017 – Full Service introduced West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Areas. � 17 th January 2018 – Full Service introduced in Purbeck District Council Areas. “……. Tell us something we don’t know!”

Universal Credit – Our story so far … Information is shared with Local Authorities by the UC Data Share Manager …. To date numbers we have received new claim data : new claim WDDC 277 files WPBC 359 files PDC 78 files When UC award changes or is updated (so at least once a month) we should receive a file in theory this should contain all the information to update CTS (or HB if Applicable) ….

Universal Credit – Our Story so far … �PDC � � �WDDC � �WPBC � � � 01. 12. 17 – 01. 18 01. 17 – 01. 02. 18 – 01. 03. 18 17 81 147 01. 17 – 01. 12. 17 – 01. 1. 18 01. 18 – 01. 02. 18 – 01. 03. 18 82 274 483 642 01. 17 – 01. 12. 17 – 01. 1. 18 01. 18 – 01. 02. 18 – 01. 03. 18 46 249 607 779 � So you can see …. . We’re not short of work. . And its increasing!

Universal Credit – Our story so far … �So LA have a lot of work … but what does this mean for customers? Generally they do not have to notify us of their new UC award …but! The data is not always great – this means sometimes we will have to ask the customer to provide screen prints of their journal /award information. If their UC award fluctuates – so will their LCTS award … and as a result they will get a new CTAX bill (this can also effect DD payments).

Universal Credit – Our story so far … �We have to base LCTS award on UC award - We are looking at ways we can change the scheme for the benefit of all but it will not be 2018/19…. And this is ultimately a decision to be approved by Council members. �Customers are finding it hard to know what they pay for anything including CTAX! This is causing increasing frustration for them. �More requests for DHP to help cover arrears with rent – can only be paid when Housing Costs in payment. �Personal Budgeting support is available from LA.

Universal Credit – Our story so far … �Housing Benefit ending – UC or not ? �Any new claim for Legacy Benefit – New Tax Credits for Partnership ending / starting? �Pension age + Working age couple – seems can still claim PC (and would be better off that way) �New Housing Costs claims for existing ESA(IR) customers – Confusion. �Change of address – New LA area = UC - Same LA area – check in same claimant name! �Cancellation of HB due to Change of failure to provide info … Get a revision in quick!! (and provide that info).

Universal Credit – Our story so far … �Current UC live claims… PDC WDDC WPBC 32 242 263

What's new? �We have just completed our system close down to run end of year processes – Letters / Bills will be issued 7 th March PDC, 12 TH March WPBC , 14 TH March WDDC. It could be that these awards have been changed between system closedown and letters being sent! �Increasingly we are finding Landlords stating that Care, Support and Supervision is provided to Claim HB instead of UC. Worth seeking advice on this from LA so that the customer doesn’t miss out on Housing Costs through UC.

What's new? - DHP � Budget for 17/18 well spent within all three LA’s � Budgets across Dorset have been cut for next year we have lost approximately …. � 5% reduction to budget for PDC � 10% reduction for WDDC � 10% reduction for WPBC However, demand is still increasing year on year so 18/19 is predicted to be a tough year. � Customers can claim DHP if they are claiming UC housing element. They just complete a form as they would for HB BUT have to provide evidence of AWARD of UC Housing element and RENT COSTS (we wont have them in a lot of cases) � Rent in advance and rent deposit is difficult if they are not transferring from HB to UC as we need to have evidence that UC (HE) is in payment before an award can be made or considered, delays in awarding UC are not helping. � Unfortunately a paper application is still required but we are hoping to get DHP claim form on line by April 2019, will circulate news of this once live. � Customers currently receiving DHP will need to reapply from April 2019.

What's to come? �HB for UC customers in Temp accommodation �HB “run on” for new UC customers �New website! www. dorsetforyou. gov. uk - Complete overhaul and should be more customer friendly!. . . but please provide feedback via the site. �Local Government Reorganisation – Go ahead been given by Secretary of State … what this means in reality we don’t know yet but things will move fast!

What can we do to help?