Issue - meetings

Background:

This report presented the findings and recommendations of the cross party Task Group that had considered the impact of the Government’s Welfare Reforms.

It was noted that these changes had included the introduction of a cap on benefits, the social sector housing size criteria, the replacement of Council Tax Benefit with a local council tax scheme and new responsibilities relating to local discretionary funds.The main reform, yet to be implemented in Medway, would involve the introduction of a completely new benefit, Universal Credit.

It was noted that the Task Group had considered a number of key lines of inquiry: focusing upon communication, the methods employed to mitigate against any adverse impact of the reforms and existing services and policies. Evidence had been sought from officers across the Council, as well as representatives from a number of organisations (including the Department for Work and Pensions, Medway Citizens Advice Bureau, StepChange, Medway Food Bank, the Hyde Group, MHS Homes, The National Landlords Association and CVS Medway).

The Task Group report set out the key findings. This included highlighting the work the Council was already undertaking to inform and assist residents, which had been positively highlighted by partner organisations during the evidence sessions, and that whilst a smaller number of Medway residents than originally anticipated had been impacted, those affected had seen a significant reduction in their household incomes.

The Task Group’s recommendations sought to support the Council and its partners in delivering a co-ordinated service, with an Officer Welfare Reform Group continuing to act as the principal co-ordinating vehicle within the Council.

It was noted that the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the Task Group report and recommendations on 26 August 2014 and a supplementary report set out the detail of that discussion.