Agenda item

The Board considered a joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Corporate Director, Resources and Corporate Director, Regeneration and Economic Development which updated members on recent policy developments relating to the government’s welfare reforms, the council’s response and the expected impact on the county.  The report also considers a review of the council’s Local Council Tax Support Scheme and the requirement to agree the council’s approach to Local Council Tax Support for 2014/15 as well as an early operational review of the Welfare Assistance Scheme and the Discretionary Housing Payments policy, which have been in place since 1 April 2013 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Head of Policy and Communications highlighted the recent policy announcements relating to the following:

a)        Universal Credit pilots, pathfinders and roll-out;

b)        Benefit Cap roll-out;

c)        Personal Independence Payment toolkit and medical assessments;

d)        Employment Support Allowance;

e)        Discretionary Housing Payment guidance and changes to Housing Benefit reductions for specific groups;

f)          Welfare reform support services;

g)        Disability Living Allowance claims and Court of Appeal judgements;

h)        Social Fund loans budget allocations and guidance on discretionary payments;

i)          Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme;

j)           The government’s response to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee report on the implementation of welfare reform by local authorities;

k)        Work and Pensions Select Committee review of progress with the implementation of Universal Credit;

l)           Food banks;

m)      Spending review.

Members spoke at length about the impact that the reform has had on families and local business in County Durham. It was early days and the true effect of this agenda had yet to be seen. The Assistant Chief Executive advised that the Authority would continue to monitor and respond as appropriate.

Reverend Phipps asked if it was possible to provide a helpline for people affected by the Welfare Reform and economic downturn.

Referring to the arrears information, Councillor Hopgood asked if the information supplied had included retired people who were in arrears, if so, could this be separated out as they were not affected by the changes.

Resolved:

That the information contained in the report be noted.