UC Advice & Advocacy, in collaboration with Mark Rodgers (www.mrassociates.org) have organised a seminar in the Abode Hotel, Glasgow, on 3rd October 2017 which will focus on the Government’s plans to alter the way Housing Benefit is assessed, using the LHA scheme as its yardstick. We also will be addressing the plans for Supported Accommodation (also known as “Exempt & Specified Accommodation”) which involve, replacing the current “eligible service charge” scheme, with a discretionary scheme, involving additional payments to the appropriate LHA awards, drawn from a cash-limited top-up fund. The combined effect of these changes, scheduled to apply from April 2019, will have a dramatic affect on the way supported accommodation services are funded and introduce new criteria that providers will need to meet to secure the funds needed to continue delivering such vital services.
If you are a registered housing association, registered charity, a not-for-profit body, managing agent or local authority working within the supported accommodation sector, these seminars are designed for you. It is essential you understand what the government is proposing and start planning for the changes.
The seminar, starting at 10am and finishing around 3.30 pm, will cover the following:
Mark Rodgers is one of the UK’s leading experts regarding the housing benefit scheme as it applies to supported housing. Having previously managed supported housing services himself. Mark started MR Associates (www.mrassociates.org) in 2000 to help other organisations, charities and not-for-profits navigate the complexities associated with housing benefit. Since then, he has provided an outstanding independent advisory service to the UK supported housing sector as well as other professional services including training. His in-depth knowledge of housing benefit legislation has brought him into contact with organisations all over the UK in an advisory role. He has helped establish scores of new supported housing projects and has represented hundreds of organisations in meetings with local authorities and before social security tribunals.
Bill Irvine was Head of Benefits, Revenues & Advice Services at one of the UK’s largest councils; acted as local government advisor to the Housing Benefit Standing Committee, Westminster; for many years acted as a welfare rights advocate; tutored on HB/Rent Arrears issues, on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Housing, for many years. He currently operates UC Advice & Advocacy Ltd acting as representative of tenants, Private Landlords and Housing Associations in their respective HB/LHA/UC negotiations with DWP/councils and, rather uniquely, represents them in disputes before First and Upper-tier tribunals. He also writes regular articles on UC/LHA related topics and responds to Landlord’s queries and complaints via various web-based forums, including his own website. Bill was one of the principal witnesses at the DWP Select Committee, Westminster hearings, relating to Local Housing Allowance in January 2010, where some of his recommendations were adopted as “Good practice” in subsequently produced DWP Guidance.
3rd October, 2017 - Glasgow
ABode Glasgow 129 Bath St Glasgow G2 2SZ
The cost per delegate is £150 inclusive of buffet lunch. Each delegate will also receive a copy of the Powerpoint Presentation which includes links to other related websites covering the topic. If you would like to book a place(s) please use the booking form.
If you have any questions about the content of this course, please feel free to contact us.