Good afternoon,

You’ll find in the following link http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/training/universal-credit-the-key-risks-to-direct-payments-rent-collection-arrears-control-debt-recovery-explained details of a course, located in the Abode Hotel, Glasgow on Wednesday 13th January 2016.

The course has been specifically tailored for Social Landlord staff and will explore the many hidden complexities and relative dangers of Universal Credit which will impact on your tenants; your organisation’s collection arrangements, rental income, arrears management & tenant advocacy, as you deal with a DWP that has proven itself, so far, remote and ambivalent to landlord interests.

• When, where and how will Universal Credit be introduced;
• Who will be able to claim it, now (Gateway Conditions) & in the future when the schem is fully operational;
• How will it be claimed; the importance of the web based system, the “claimant commitment” and how you can support tenants during the process;
• Data sharing, information about live claims, awards, notifications, annual rent increase processes etc.
• How claims will be assessed, with various examples of the calculation methodology, including the “housing element”; non-dependent charges; under-occupation deductions; benefits cap.
• How & when will it be paid, including the use of bank, building society, Post Office and Credit Union accounts; and variations to the default position of paying monthly and to the tenant?
• Backdating of claims; changes in circumstances; the “whole month rule”; penalties for late reporting changes; overpayments, cause, recovery and late notification “fines”.
• Threat to “housing element” when couples separate; two households combine as one; tenant’s move home without giving notice; temporary absences, hospital in-patients, prison etc.
• Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) – How to apply for these; request suspension of the housing costs; and “third party deductions” to reduce historic rent arrears?
• Conditionality and sanctions – how these will affect the tenant’s willingness to cooperate; may prejudice your ability to APAs & TPDs; and might result in the “housing element” being misused to compensate for benefit loss.
• DWP maladministration – how to challenge DWP mistakes/errors; how to pursue “compensation” using the “complaints process” and referrals to the Parliamentary Commissioner.
• Appeals – what can and can’t the tenant/you appeal; what is a mandatory reconsideration; how & when do First-tier tribunals play a part.

Throughout the day we will encourage delegate participation. We use practical exercises and case studies, to highlight the main features of Universal Credit. Ultimately, we’ll aim to ensure delegates are well informed on how best to maximise tenant entitlement; minimise landlord problems and reduce the potential for rental income loss and the need for recovery action.

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