Minutes:
Much of the LGA’s activity has been related to the adequacy of local authority funding to administer and deliver welfare. The LGA also has helped to highlight and respond to some of the unintended consequences of government welfare policies which directly or indirectly affect local authorities and shift costs onto local authority services. The supporting role of local authorities’ in Universal Credit has also been an important area of LGA activity.
Whilst these issues are still very important, it was suggested that there is now a need to shift focus as reforms in the area of housing and housing benefit are implemented and the effects of cuts in tax credits and the introduction of the living wage become clearer. It was suggested that the LGA should take a fresh and wider look at the impacts on councils, residents and the local economy. The cumulative impact of welfare reforms on the disabled and other vulnerable and poorer members of society will need to be considered.
Linked to this, there is also need to look at how councils can respond positively to the current challenges by linking up services, and working with partners locally to help people manage their money effectively, and meet their housing costs. The importance of employment and skills support was highlighted. This should involve collaboration with relevant partners, to innovate and locally design and commission assistance to help move people into stable employment, and improve their prospects for in-work progression. The role of Jobcentres and how this might be more effectively delivered was also discussed.
Some of this work aligns well with the theme of improving people’s life chances, and improving social mobility. At times of crisis the safety net provided by local authorities provides essential support. The LGA’s role in making the case for maintaining the discretionary funding which forms this safety net was noted.
Some more detailed work streams reflecting the above themes were outlined as follows: -
· The role of councils in benefit administration is recognised and adequately resourced including reference to housing benefit staffing, the recovery of Housing Benefit (HB) overpayments further to Universal Credit (UC) roll out, and securing sufficient HB administration subsidy.
· The role of councils in supporting UC claimants to make and maintain a claim is recognised and adequately resourced as part of Universal Support delivered locally.
· The experience of councils of the impact of welfare reform on low income households informs future policy development including the effect of DWP sanctions and the fear and vulnerability this creates.
· The central role of local government in supporting households affected by the reforms is recognised and adequately resourced.
· Councils have the freedom, funding and flexibility to integrate services and to improve life chances for claimants through local approaches to employment, housing, social care, education, childcare and health.
Four key areas were highlighted which the elected members present expressed an interest in;
· Housing issues and affordability
· Employment and skills and the work programme
· Families impacts and the role of job centres
· Public health