Decision details

Update on Reference from the P&F 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?: Yes

Decisions:

The Executive was reminded that, at its meeting on 6 February 2018, it had considered a number of recommendations from the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee on the impact of the introduction of Universal Credit on borough residents.

 

An update on the recommendations made in 2018 was considered. Members advised that the upfront wait experienced by claimants was an area of concern. Access to computer facilities was also an area identified as a concern, with access to provision in some of the outlying villages highlighted as a specific issue. Parish Council owned buildings and Church Parish offices were identified as possible solutions for helping residents in rural areas access the necessary IT.

 

It was agreed to refer the access to computer facilities for Universal Credit claimants to the Surrey Heath Villages Working Group to consider. Furthermore, it was suggested that this matter could be incorporated into the review of poverty in the borough agreed by the Council at its meeting on 9 October 2019.

 

RESOLVED that

 

(i)        the report be noted; and

 

(ii)      concerns raised regarding the access to IT by Universal Credit claimants be considered by the Surrey Heath Villages Working Group and as part of the review of poverty in the borough.

 

Note 1: in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct Councillor Rodney Bates declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was temporarily working with Camberley Job Club, which was named in the report, and indicated that he would leave the room if Camberley Job Club was referred to in the course of discussions.

 

 

Report author: Kelvin Menon

Publication date: 29/10/2019

Date of decision: 15/10/2019

Decided at meeting: 15/10/2019 - Executive

Effective from: 24/10/2019

Accompanying Documents: