Preparing staff for Full Service Roll-out, LHA cap, and other scheme complexities!

Good morning, 

DWP's recent announcement confirming the extension of the "Full or Digital Service", including start dates, removes any remaining uncertainty about the new schemes rollout. Full Service has a number of significant differences to the "Live" or limited service you've already experienced. The IT system supporting digital expansion is much more sophisticated and demanding than its "live" equivalent, as it places the onus on tenants to make their online claim; initiate their "Claimant Commitment"; upload supporting evidence; report changes in circumstances, including the annual rent increase. 

DWP announced ALL social landlord tenants, claiming Universal Credit, will have their "maximum rent" assessed using local LHA rates from April, 2019. The LHA scheme currently applies to private tenants and has many features which differ from Housing Benefit. For example, the Bedroom Tax penallties of 14% or 25% for under-occupation are NOT applicable. 

Under 35s will have their "housing element" restricted to the Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) unless they fall into one of the exemptions to the rule. You need to know which of your tenants can avoid the lower SAR. Most 18-21 year olds will be excluded from claiming "housing costs" but again there will be some exceptions to that rule. You need to know who can benefit from the exceptions. 

This Universal Credit course has been specifically tailored for Social Landlord staff. It is designed to examine how the new Full Service and LHA capping will operate; and the likely effect this will have on your tenants, and your organisation’s collection arrangements, rental income and rent arrears management. It can be delivered in-house for just you and/or in collaboration with your neighbouring councils/associations. 

Programme includes:

• When, where and how will Full Service be introduced;
• Who will be able to claim it immediately, and when will the migration of legacy claims start;
• How claims will be assessed, with various examples of the calculation methodology;
• LHA & Under 35's capping; how will this operate and who is most likely to be affected;
• Who qualifies for "Transitional Protection" (preserving the rate at migration) and how long will this apply;
• What about backdating; changes in circumstances; the "whole month rule"; complexities relating to couples splitting or combining households; penalties for late reporting?
• Landlord Managed Payments - How to apply for these; seek suspension of the "housing element" and pursue rent arrears via "third party deductions"?
• How the “payment exceptions” provisions can be used to have payments redirected to spouses/partners/appointees to ensure public funds protected;
• Conditionality and sanctions – how this is likely to have a considerable impact on your tenant’s willingness to cooperate with APAs, payments and rent arrears recovery arrangements.
• How to complain when things go wrong; seek compensation, refer to the "Independent Examiner" and PCA.

We use practical exercises and case studies, arising from the experience of RSL landlords all over GB, to highlight the main features of the scheme and where things are likely to go wrong. There will be plenty of time for discussion of issues and concerns. Ultimately, the tutor will aim to ensure delegates are well informed on how to maximise tenant entitlement and reduce the potential for rental income loss.

Who should attend?

Any member of staff involved in housing management, finance, providing advice & support to tenants and those responsible for collecting arrears and complying with Pre-action protocols/requirements.

Tutor

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.

Date

11th April, 2017

Venue - London

Ibis Hotel, 3 Cardington Street, Euston, London NW1 2LW

Book a place

The cost per delegate is £140 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.

More Information

If you have any questions about the content of this course, please feel free to contact us.