Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that provided an update on the Welfare Reform and Poverty Issues Cabinet report, 21 October 2015 and to inform Members of the proposed consultation on the draft County Durham Poverty Action Plan (for copy see file of minutes).

The Head of Policy and Communications reported that in order to focus on the actions necessary to respond to challenges facing the county’s residents, the Poverty Action Steering Group had developed a draft Poverty Action Plan based on the following six key themes:-

• Attitudes to poverty and raising its profile;
• Focus on child poverty;
• Involvement of agencies with direct involvement in poverty;
• Credit and debt;
• Further welfare reform and benefit changes;
• Work and personal wellbeing and sense of worth.

In response to a question from Councillor Wilson regarding Child Poverty and the change in measures, the Head of Policy and Communications advised that the issue had improved but remains a concern. He added that the Council had achieved improvement in figures, however not at the same level as other parts of the country.

The Head of Policy and Communications responded to a question regarding employment figures and advised that the figures were based on Job Seekers Allowance claimant figures.  In response to a follow up question on the number of zero hours contracts, he said he would try and find out if this information is available.

In response to a query from Councillor Nearney regarding the Housing Solutions Service and working with housing associations, the Head of Policy and Communications advised that a housing partnership was established with East Durham Homes, Durham City Homes and Dale and Valley Homes when the welfare reform was introduced in 2013. The Housing Solutions team work alongside teams from Living and Cestria Homes as well as private landlords. The Department of Work and Pensions provided workshops on universal credit for social housing providers and private landlords to ensure they had involvement and an understanding of the changes.

Councillor R Bell asked if a summary of advice services was available, the Head of Policy and Communications responded that a directory had been produced and he would arrange for the link to be emailed to members. He would also enquire if it was possible for the directory to be adapted geographically.

Councillor Crute asked how officers were monitoring the impact of universal credit and any unintended consequences in future. The Head of Policy and Communication responded that they were working closely with partners to monitor the impact and were provided with regular updates.

Councillor J Robinson referred to the unemployment figures and asked if the closures at Redcar Steelworks would have an impact in County Durham.  He enquired if figures were available in relation to zero hour contracts and the number of incapacity benefit claims. He referred to the possible negative impact on businesses due to increases to the national minimum wage. Councillor Hillary added there may also follow a wider implication with a freeze on benefits and cost of living increases. The Head of Policy and Communications replied that he would make enquiries regarding the impact from the job losses at Redcar Steelworks. He acknowledged there would be an impact from the national minimum wage on businesses and highlighted potential problems they would be facing. He would find out if an evaluation was available on the impact locally and internally and report back to members.

Councillor Hillary referred to the Action Plan on page 55 and asked for a more realistic timeframe with regards to the Review of overall structure of employment-related training, skills, funding and employability provision in County Durham and revise to improve effectiveness.

Responding to a question from Councillor Adam regarding the Council's strategy on tackling fuel poverty and high energy costs, the Head of Policy and Communications advised that he would consult with colleagues in Regeneration and Economic Development and report back to Councillor Adam.

Councillor M Simmons enquired if figures were available on the number of people that had lost theirmotability allowance, especially in rural areas.

Resolved:

i)             That the contents of the report and progress being made by the council and its partners in addressing welfare reform and the wider poverty issues in the county be noted;

ii)            That the proposed consultation on the draft County Durham Poverty Action Plan be noted.