Decision details

The Director (BA) presented the report to inform Members of the Full Service rollout of Universal Credit in Exeter from September 2018. From that point on, all claims to legacy benefits would be claims to Universal Credit. Universal Credit Live Service had been in Exeter since November 2015 for single jobseekers with no dependent children. The rollout of Full Service would vastly increase the rate at which households move onto Universal Credit and would expand the groups who would be affected.

Members were advised that the impact of Universal Credit rollout was difficult to forecast; officers had used experiences from other areas as well as data on the Council’s existing caseload to prepare for the impact. At the present time it was proposed to implement the scheme with existing staff resources and, should there be an increase demand on staffing, officers would come back to Members with the details. The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) could also be affected. As the Council was legally able to spend up to 2.5 times its yearly DHP allocation and was legally unable to refuse an award on the grounds that the DHP award had been spent, this could have an impact on the Council’s finances. Members would be updated on the demand for DHP as the scheme was rolled out.

The Director (BA) stated that Members were asked to agree that the Council deliver digital and budgeting support to Universal Credit claimants as a delivery partner for the Department for Work and Pensions Universal Support scheme for 12 months from April 2018.

The Leader brought to Member’s attention the concerns of People Scrutiny Committee regarding the significant human costs the changes could bring, such as threat of eviction, increased homelessness and a growth in demand for food parcels.

Members thanked the officers for their work over the last two years to prepare for the rollout of Universal Credit. They raised concerns with regards to the impact that the rollout could have on individuals and possible financial implications for the Council.

People Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 4 January 2018 and its comments were reported.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        the contents of this report and the background information paper attached be noted;

(2)        support that could be given to customers impacted by Universal Credit via the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), and Local Welfare Support (LWS) budgets, as currently administered, was limited, and therefore the possible  need for it to be reviewed be recognised;

(3)        without reliable predictions of the amount of extra demand that will be placed on affected services as a result of Universal Credit rollout, no further resources are requested at this present time. However, it be noted that there may be a need to request additional resources in the future. If evidence shows such a need, this data will be presented to Members for their decision; and

(4)        the Council deliver digital and budgeting support to Universal Credit claimants as a delivery partner for the Department for Work and Pension’s Universal Support scheme for 12 months from April 2018.