Good afternoon, DWP has just published a compendium of the most recent reports, relating to the development and implementation of Universal Credit designed to assist Social Landlords prepare for the roll-out of the scheme, starting, on a national basis, from February 2015. Details can be foundhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-rented-housing Tucked in at the end of…

Good afternoon, I unearthed this briefing paper (Bedroom Tax: Exemptions & Tribunals) produced by Giles Peaker, Anthony Gold Solicitors which, very helpfully, summarises some of the key issues arising from: a)      The 1996 HB (Bedroom Tax) exemption provisions & the effect of the statutory instrument, effectively closing the “loophole”; b)      The…

Good morning, Just as most UC commentators were predicting, nothing significant would happen, prior to next year’s election, Iain Duncan Smith pulled a white rabbit from nowhere by announcing yesterday, that Universal Credit will be rolled out to all Jobcentres and local authorities across the country, starting February 2015. Although…

DWP have just issued a consultation document, aimed at Social landlords, seeking views on proposed amendments to the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012. You’ll find a copy of the regulations here including details of how to respond to a series of questions posed. DWP…

Good Morning, DWP has just published a list of all the Jobcentre and Council areas, that represent the next tranche of the national rollout, starting next February and due to complete by April 2015. The expansion plan, has been an ongoing affair, certainly since June 2014, when DWP introduced it…

Good morning, First Choice Homes (FCHO), Oldham have reported (24 Dash.com) on a telephone survey it has undertaken with 40% of its tenants affected by Universal Credit. One of the initial Pathfinder pilots, in 2013’s roll out of Universal Credit, FCHO found that their tenants had suffered multiple problems with…

Hi, One of my most recent bulletins related to the potential for Housing Benefit to be reviewed because of a piece of transitional legislation affecting tenancies operating from 1st Jnaury 1996. DWP has now accepted the legislation can assist tenants who meet the qualifying criteria by exempting them from the…

Good afternoon, Currently, Housing Benefit (HB) accounts for some £16 Billion in revenue for association tenants, producing between 40-65% of rental income, with 95% of payments going direct to associations; undeniably the preferred method of tenants. The possibility of HB continuing beyond 2017 is increasingly likely and should be viewed…

Good morning, I’m increasingly being asked to deliver Universal Credit seminars to frontline managers and staff, directly interested in income management, rent arrears collection/recovery, financial inclusion and money advice. The sessions have proven popular and lively as we’re beginning, for the first time, to really delve into the everyday challenges…

Good morning, DWP’s Director of Planning has, just this week, issued a bulletin to all Social Landlords, announcing: a)      A new claims process, which will mean: “claimants will from 18th August be asked to bring a recent rent statement as well as a copy of their tenancy agreement to their…