Decision details

that a Welfare Reform Officer, to assist with the wider roll out of Universal Credit and assist tenants in paying their rent, be added to the Council’s establishment for a fixed term of two years.

REASON FOR DECISION

To increase the range and capacity of advice and support offered by the Council to tenants in order to both reduce the risks of rent arrears and also assist in the sustainment of tenancies.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REASONS FOR REJECTION

1.    Not to recruit - This option was not recommended due to the number of tenants who will be directly affected by the introduction of Universal Credit and the need to protect the Housing Revenue Account income stream which faces significant risk due to the direct payment of housing costs to tenants rather than the Council itself.

2.    Outsourcing the provision of advice - This option was not recommended due the potential delays it may cause, the need to have a data sharing agreement and for the potential for advice contrary to Housing’s ‘rent first’ policy when using Housing Revenue Account money to provide monetary advice.