Agenda item

6.1

Chris Walker, Pitsmoor Citizens’ Advice Bureau gave a presentation on the changes to the Welfare Benefits System introduced by the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and issues surrounding this.  The presentation referred to the case for change, identified who was affected and provided a time line of the early changes.  Information was also provided on the benefit cap, bedroom tax, Council tax support and the Social Fund “Local Assistance Scheme”.  The presentation also included the main changes to Means-Tested Benefits, which came under the new heading of Universal Credit, and the Disability Living Allowance, which would be known as the Personal Independence Payment.  Those who might be worse off under this new system were also identified.  In conclusion, details of the Advice Sheffield Assessment Line were provided for anyone having any queries on the new system.

6.2

Responses were provided to questions as follows:-

·                    There did not appear to be any provision for an interim payment to take account of the fact that monthly payments were to be paid in arrears.

·                    A document summarising the main changes was available at the meeting.

·                    In relation to claims having to be made online, attempts were being made locally to arrange the provision of computers and support, but it was not known whether the Government would put anything in place.

·                    The amount available for the equivalent of Crisis Loans was cash limited and could run out towards the end of the year.

·                    It was felt that the imposition of a bedroom tax could have an effect on community stability.

·                    Telephone calls on the Advice Sheffield Assessment Line cost only slightly more than a landline and could ultimately be a good investment.

·                    The State Earnings Related Pension Scheme would not continue under the new regime, but those entitled to receive payments from it would continue to do so.

·                    The single person’s Council tax reduction of 25% would continue.

6.3

The Assembly thanked Chris Walker for his presentation and noted the information and responses provided.