Decision details

Reference from Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee – Review of the Impact of Benefits Reforms on Surrey Heath Borough Council and Borough Residents

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

At its meeting on 12 July 2017, the Performance and Finance Scrutiny had considered a report from a Task and Finish Group looking at the impact of welfare/benefits reforms on the Council and the Borough’s residents. A further report, revising a number of the recommendations, had been considered by the Committee at its meeting on 6 December 2017.

 

The Committee had agreed to advise the Executive to take a number of actions which could potentially mitigate the impact of these changes.

 

The Executive considered the actions proposed and noted that the Task Group Members had identified the following key local needs:

 

(i)                        An increase in the number PCs available to welfare benefit applicants, and the number of local locations where access would be possible;

(ii)                       An increase in the number of PC and benefit competent advisors who could help applicants complete claim forms;

(iii)                      An increase in the number of advisors (must be qualified) who could help with debt counselling;

(iv)                     Better local access to short term loans to those left without support between date of claim and date of approval and receipt of grant; and

(v)                      An increase in the number of one bedroom properties available for social rent.

 

The Scrutiny Committee had supported the Task and Finish Group proposal that the best way to meet the identified needs and address was to facilitate a stronger working relationship with and provide an increased level of financial support to specialist local charities, particularly given the expertise which existed in the community, which could assist in this complex area of work.

 

RESOLVED that

 

(i)          the Department of Works and Pension (DWP) be urged to work more closely with the Council

 

(a)        to mitigate the impact of the benefit reforms on the residents of the Borough;

 

(b)       to ensure that there is adequate provision of computer facilities internet access and advisors across the Borough to support the wider introduction of Universal Credit and other changes to the welfare system;

 

(ii)        in relation to computer facilities, internet access, and advisor support, that

 

(a)        the list of sites will be refreshed, and widely publicised to the relevant audience;

 

(b)       this exercise be repeated on a six monthly basis;

 

(c)        in the event that this exercise indicates a shortage of available sites and/or personnel, alternative options, including the involvement and closer collaboration with local charities in the relevant sectors to be considered.

 

(iii)      the work done by the Surrey Credit Union in supporting residents in the Borough be noted and supported;

 

(iv)      the closer working relationship and joint working initiatives between the Camberley Job Centre and the Council be noted and supported; and

 

(v)        the Local Plan Working Group be asked to take full account of the indicated increased need for one bedroom properties, when developing the Plan;

 

The Executive NOTED that the External Partnership Select Committee be requested to include Boom and DWP on its future work programme.

 

 

Report author: Rachel Whillis

Publication date: 21/02/2018

Date of decision: 06/02/2018

Decided at meeting: 06/02/2018 - Executive

Accompanying Documents: