LGA Governance


Agenda item

Agenda item

Universal Credit (verbal update)

Minutes:

Mike Heiser introduced Appendix C for item 2. 

 

Mikes update focused on HMT’s Breathing Space Consultation submission (which provides 60 days breathing space for people with problem debt) that has now been signed off and submitted.  This submission was welcomed.  Mike also brought to members’ attention the LGA’s Reshaping Financial Support report which has now been published. Mike concluded that officers were currently in talks with Citizens Advice (CA) and DWP over CA’s adoption of the Universal Support system, which supports Universal Credit claimants at the outset of their claim.  These talks are focusing on how ready CA are for this, and how the new service is being delivered.  Mike confirmed this work is being fed into the SR. 

 

Following the update, members commented on the following:

 

Members commented that the new UC system doesn’t take into consideration that some years have 53 weeks in them, which provides significant issues relating to housing Benefits.  Members also discussed the issues of pay-outs around the Christmas period. 

 

Action

 

-       Members noted the update.