Agenda and minutes

Cllr Peter Kemp, substitute Cllr Josephine Barrett.

Cllr Mary O’Connor declared a non-pecuniary interest as Chairman of Hillingdon Mind.

Were agreed as an accurate record.

All items were considered in Public.

The Deputy Director of Housing, Residents Services introduced the report. He explained that the meeting would be examining how the welfare reforms might affect Local Authorities across London and what the implications for Hillingdon might be.

Apologies were provided from Angelo Iuliano, Benefits Operations Manager, Southwark Council who was unable to attend the meeting. Perry Singh, Assistant Director of Housing, Regeneration & Major Projects, London Borough of Brent provided a presentation on the main welfare reforms and the following topics were discussed:

• Local Housing Allowance Caps
• Size criteria for Social Sector Tenants
• Local Council Tax support
• Overall Benefit Cap
• Universal Credit

In the course of discussions, the following points were raised:

• Credit Union Jam Jar Accounts – It was noted that these had been set up by Southwark Council as a form of savings account and had proved to be a valuable resource to support tenants who found budgeting a challenge although the take up was very low. The Committee asked officers if such a scheme might be used in Hillingdon similar to the credit union facility.
• Carers – It was noted that the rationale of the reforms was to reduce the spending deficit and to promote employment. In the case of carers, it was noted that they were not exempt from the Caps and in economic terms, it was often more cost effective for carers to look after friends of relatives than find employment and purchase care as they would be worse off. The Committee agreed that it was important for Local Authorities to examine how they supported carers given the significant savings they provided to the Authority, Health Service and a host of the other organisations.
• ‘Navigators’ – The Committee heard how Brent Council had a Navigator team consisting of 6 dedicated officers which were tasked with working with the most vulnerablehouseholds to assist them through the welfare changes. The Committee enquired whether Hillingdon might consider a similar scheme in the future but accepted that there was a resource issue.
• Prevalence of Domestic Violence – The Committee highlighted that officers needed to be very aware of the potential for the increase in cases of Domestic Violence as a result of the monetary changes and the impact this would have on family cohesion. Officers confirmed that they would be monitoring this area.
• The importance of co-located teams – The Committee heard how co-located teams had been used to good effect in Brent and enquired whether this would be the case in Hillingdon (use of Citizen Advice Bureau and Job Centre Plus). Officers confirmed that this was the case.
• Troubled families and the protection register – The Committee highlighted that it was essential that troubled families and those particularly at risk were provided with appropriate advice, guidance and assistance especially if they need to move. Officers confirmed that there was close working with Children and Families.
• Challenge of Direct Payments – How does the Council support residents to make informed choices? – the Committee was concerned that those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

The Committee discussed the Forward Plan and no items were identified for discussion at the April 2013 meeting.

Resolved -

1. That the report be noted.

Reference was made to the work programme and timetable of meetings.

Resolved –

1. That the report be noted.