Proposer: Councillor Bourne
G... In July 2018, the staged roll out of Universal Credit reaches Colchester. Universal Credit replaces individual payments for: Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Families Tax Credit.
This Council is aware of the escalating concerns surrounding implementation of Universal Credit for new claims and existing 'legacy' claimants. In recognising these worries this Council will:
1)
continue building on the work with local agencies, such as the Department of Work and Pensions, voluntary sector organisations, Colchester Borough Homes, Housing Associations, to prepare residents fully for July 2018 implementation and beyond for legacy claims.
2)
encourage local private sector landlords to play their part in working cooperatively with tenants who are also Universal Credit claimants, to alleviate hardship and possible later eviction due to late rent payment caused by changes to Universal Credit payments.
3)
use channels available to us to feedback on pre and post implementation of Universal Credit in order to mitigate any negative effects on Colchester claimants - especially through the District Councils' Network, Local Government Association and the MPs for the Borough of Colchester: Will Quince; Bernard Jenkin; and Priti Patel.
As the motion relates to a non-executive matter it will be debated and determined by Council.