UNIVERSAL CREDIT - OVERVIEW

Jon Hyde – Department for Work and Pensions

Introduction – aims of session

Universal Credit

Context for reform

SIZE CRITERIA IN THE SOCIAL RENTED SECTOR

Joe Stacey – Department for Work and Pensions

The Size Criteria measure – what is it?

Working-age and living in the social rented sector.

Uses Local Housing Allowance criteria

Two reduction rates probably in the range:• 10%-15% for one bedroom under occupation; and • 20%-25% for 2 bedroom plus under occupation. 

Expected to come into force from April 2013.

MAKING BETTER USE OF STOCK - DCLG

Frances Walker – Department for Communities & Local Government

Social housing reform

We are making it easier for landlords to help under-occupiers to downsize, freeing up family sized housing for other families in need, by –

• changes to legislation in the Localism Bill which take existing tenants not in need out of the allocation rules

• introduction of a National Home Swap Scheme • HomeSwap Direct : tenants who want to move will be able to register once and

see full range of potential swaps

We are making available £13m to help councils support under-occupying tenants who want to move, and fund an action team to work with landlords.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

• Were you already aware of the change to HB and, if so, how did you find out about it?

• What do you think are likely to be the positive and negative outcomes from this change?

• What options will be available to tenants who are affected by the change?

• What can councils and landlords do to help tenants prepare for the change?

• Does your landlord have a scheme to help under-occupiers to downsize? Is this restricted to tenants over pension age?