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Universal Credit Pilot

Learn about the Universal Credit pilot program by WLDC, aimed at simplifying and improving the benefits system while reducing fraud and error to support claimants. Find out about the key dates and initiatives to enhance financial literacy and digital engagement.

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Universal Credit Pilot

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  1. Universal Credit Pilot West Lindsey District Council Alan Robinson Nicoya Palastanga

  2. What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit will simplify the benefits system by bringing together a range of working-age benefits into a single streamlined payment. It aims to: simplify the system, making it easier for people to understand, and easier and cheaper for staff to administer improve work incentives smooth the transitions into and out of work reduce in-work poverty cut back on fraud and error. The first applications to Universal Credit will be made in October 2013. We expect all working age claimants to have moved onto Universal Credit by October 2017.

  3. Income related JSA • Income related ESA • Income Support (including SMI) • Working Tax Credits • Child Tax Credits • Housing Benefit • UniversalCredit • Disability LivingAllowance • Personal Independence Payment • … to include support for housing and children • Pension Credit • Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance (will remain) • Council Tax Benefit (Localised Council Tax Schemes) • Contributory JSA and ESA (conditionality rules changing)

  4. Local Authority-led Pilots 2013 focus pilots - Twelve pilots will run from autumn 2012 to September 2013 to explore how local expertise can support residents to claim Universal Credit.2013 focus pilots will look at:- encouraging claimants to access online support independently; - improving financial independence and managing money;- delivering efficiencies and reducing fraud & error; and- reducing homelessness.Post 2015 focus pilots – on the longer term role for local authorities in supporting Universal Credit claimants. North Lanarkshire West Dunbarton Edinburgh Dumfries & Galloway Key: LA-led pilots Pathfinder preparation projects Direct Payment Demonstration Projects Wakefield Oldham West Lindsey Wigan Shropshire Rushcliffe Birmingham Melton Oxford Torfaen Southwark Caerphilly Newport Bath & NES Lewisham North Dorset

  5. Migration - key dates Pathfinderbegins APRIL 2013 National introduction of Universal Credit – groups of new unemployed able to claim, gradual phasing out of claims for existing benefits OCTOBER2013 Expansion - new claims from people in work and moving current claimants to Universal Credit in phased approach SPRING 2014 Universal Credit roll-out complete 2017

  6. WLDC Pilot October 2012 to September 2013 Face to Face Delivery Local delivery Holistic approach Digital engagement/journey Reduce fraud and error

  7. Online Claims Digital by default Housing Benefit/Job Seekers Allowance Access to IT Public Access in council offices Working with partner organisations Public Access across the district

  8. Support for Customers Financial Literacy - budgeting skills - suitable bank accounts Introduction to IT Literacy and Numeracy

  9. What will be different? Co-location of services WLDC, JCP, LCC, VCS Additional support from CAB, Credit Union, training providers, NCS

  10. The Role of Local Authorities • Localism • Community Champions • Reducing Fraud • Partnership Working • Experience – housing, skills agenda, council tax support

  11. Now over to you for any questions

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