Welfare Reform UpdateSue 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.)• £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