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Welfare Reform Update Sue Sutton. Current position (end Sept 13). 1233 tenants under occupying. 73% are tenants under occupying are in arrears. (44% were in arrears at end March 2013.)
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Current position (end Sept 13) • 1233 tenants under occupying. • 73% are tenants under occupying are in arrears. (44% were in arrears at end March 2013.) • £346,003 value of arrears for tenants who are under occupying. This has increased £86.602 since April. Last 4 weeks under occupancy arrears have decreased. • 38 tenants have downsized as a result of under occupancy since April 2013 – 24 transfers and 14 mutual exchanges • No reduction in demand for properties.
Resources and support • 4 under occupancy patches with 4 income officers dedicated to managing these tenancies and providing support. • Trained to use Home Search and help people downsize. • Money Advice Team in place – provide money advice and budgeting support. Increased team to 1 Money Advice Co-ordinator and 4 Money Advice Officers. • We also have 1 welfare rights and debt advice officer.
Resources and support • Hardship fund – following DHP or where DHP refused. Also linking this to employment courses • Smarter Buys Store • Carrying out visits to all tenants receiving a DHP to explore options • Downsizing support – officer support to help bid, downsizing budget and support for mutual exchanges. • Advice and support on taking in a lodger.
Universal credit • Working across the SHP • Away day with all staff – MECC • Payment methods – phone app, payment kiosk • Credit Union – development of Jam Jar Accounts • Digital inclusion pilot • Information sources