Welfare Reforms: 1 Year On - Impact and Future Changes

1. TEAM TALK 4 June 2014 Frances TurnerManaging Director of Ocean Housing Ltd

2. Team Talk 4th June 2014 Welfare Advice Team Welfare Reform so far…

3. Welfare Reforms - 1 Year on Bedroom Tax and Council Tax benefit changes April 2013 Government Aim – Encourage households to down-size -since April 2013 is 69 – 12.5%. National picture : • 2/3 of tenants subject to the bedroom tax in arrears (Feb 2014 – NHF) – (58% Ocean) • Lack of smaller properties • Payment of discretionary relief inconsistent

4. What have we done so far… • 358tenants now affected by bedroom taxfrom426 • Over 550households visited: • DHP/ERA • Energy saving advice/ Budgeting • H/C and H/S applications • Financial support/Crisis & Care • Signposting to relevant agencies • Food vouchers • Referrals to CMHT/Social Services • Coordinating/facilitating moves • Referral to Tenant Employment Coordinator Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) - total to date is over £85,000!

5. More changes ahead….. Universal Credit…the next step • Universal Credit (UC) - working age only • Single household payment replacing 6 benefits (JSA, ESA,IS, Child/ Working Tax Credits and HB) • Preparing households for monthly budgeting – tenants will have to pay their own rent! • On-line claims and direct monthly payments in arrears into bank accounts to mirror the 75% who have paid earnings • UC claimants better off in work – benefit reduction is gradual • In return … Claimant Commitment: • Those deemed fit for work will have to ‘job hunt’ full time • It will outline what else they must do in return e.g. training • Consequences – sanctions – this can be from one month up to 3 years!

6. UC….progress to date • UC pathfinders – testing new system • Still in pilot stages: 11 areas – focusing on new, single unemployed people with or without housing costs • Limited trial…Bath – 4 claimants! • Majority of claimants able to make their claim online • Rent arrears increased • Extra staff required • Pilots extend to couples and families later in the year – more complex

7. Impact of Universal Credit and Direct Payments Of 4060 Ocean properties: • 1200 (29.6%) do not claim HB • 1120 (27.6%) pension credit age • 1740 (42.8%) working age and qualify for UC • The average HB claim £80 per week. • If all working age customers received direct payments, the amount of money “at risk” would be an extra £6,681,600 or 39% of TRD.

8. Impact of Universal Credit and Direct Payments • UC will double the amount of money we currently collect direct from tenants. • Rent Arrears - Option to pay direct to landlord at 2 months – Switchback • Decisions made locally – subject to review

9. Getting ready… • Digital Inclusion • Bank account • Identifying support needs - UC not suitable for all – Alternative Payment Arrangements • Rent direct to the landlord • More frequent payments • Splitting the payment within household • Examples of these may be: • Drug/Alcohol or other addiction • Learning Difficulties • Severe/multiple debt/rent arrears • Domestic Violence • Families with complex needs • Mental Health

10. Getting ready … • UC will have a significant impact on both our customers and our organisation • Planning is needed • Lots of issues to be resolved before UC goes live • Actual date yet to be advised -Envisaged national roll out 2016/2017 ?

11. Questions?

12. TEAM TALK 4 June 2014 Frances TurnerManaging Director of Ocean Housing Ltd

13. National Green Deal and Eco Awards 2014 OSL AWARDED NATIONAL BOILER & RENEWABLES INSTALLER OF THE YEAR!

14. Park House Flats- Fire Huge Thank you to Staff Involved

15. Equality and Diversity Training Boards: October 2014 All staff: November 2014 Involved Residents: November 2014 • ‘Train the Trainer’ with the Housing Diversity Network – Champion 7 Group (September 2014) • In-house training • Smaller groups with more interaction and a greater focus on customer service If there are particular issues you would like to be addressed in the training please feedback to Stuart Hill

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23. Tenancy Fraud Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 Detect and prevent unlawful subletting Landlords powers to prosecute and courts can recovery profit 6/7 suspected cases in Ocean properties

24. Tenancy Fraud Anonymous lead Investigated - facebook, internet, investigator, neighbours, landlord, Police Legal Notice served Outcome - more affordable homes available to let to those most in need

25. Re-Development of Windmill House

29. Ocean Services Recruitment • Heating Engineers • Electricians • Multi-skilled Building Maintenance Operatives

30. Gilbert and Goode Recruitment Current:- Craig Thompson – Project Manager Andrew Day - QS Dan Cole - QS Ongoing:- June 2014 – Interviewing for Project Manager and Sales and Connections Manager Planned:- July 2014 – Site Managers x2 and Various Trades (Carpenters, Plasterer, Painter and Decorator)

31. ANNUAL AUDIT OF FINAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS KPMG AT OCEAN FROM 27 MAY TO 13 JUNE 2014

34. Any Questions?