Insights on Benefits Service Manager's Local Authority Updates
Stay updated with the latest information on Universal Credit Migration, impacts on caseload, pension age customers, winter fuel payments, and local council tax support by Tina Frampton, a Benefits Service Manager at the Local Authority. Learn about the ongoing programs, changes in benefits eligibility, and efforts to support claimants. Explore the details of managing various benefit schemes and addressing customer needs effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Tina Frampton Benefits Service Manager Local Authority Update
Universal Credit Migration We are currently managing the UC Migration program of work. Since 1 April 2024 we have received 1085 UC migration data share files. HB is cancelled from the date of the UC claim, we then apply a two-week transitional HB award. We then review CTS a month later based on the UC assessment. Since July 2024 we have received 42 HB Termination data share files in relation to customers who have not migrated to UC within the specified time. HB is cancelled and the two-week transitional award applied and CTS is also cancelled.
Affects on Caseload Our working age HB caseload now is 2989. This is made up of: General needs accommodation mainly ESA customers Temporary Accommodation Supported Accommodation
Pension Age Customers Recent announcements have again suggested a program of work looking at move Pension Age HB to the Pension Service as part of Pension Credit. This will be a huge project of work and will take some years to complete. No further information relating to this currently all focus has been on the Winter Fuel Announcement!
Winter Fuel Payments The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that, from winter 2024/2025, households in England and Wales will no longer be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. 10.8 million pensioners in 7.6 million households in England and Wales received the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/2024. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 1.5 million individuals in 1.3 million households in England and Wales will receive a payment for winter 2024/2025.
Winter Fuel Payments cont Dorset Council has been looking at the impacts Considering what we can do to encourage and support claims to Pension Credit for those eligible. Applicants must have been eligible for Pension Credit during the qualifying week 16-22 September 2024. As Pension Credit can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months if eligible the claims must be made by 21 December 2024 at the latest to retain eligibility to Winter Fuel Payment in 24/25. DWP have written to customers. We are looking at whether it would be appropriate to also identify and write to customers.
Local Council Tax Support Dorset Councils new banded scheme came in 1 April 2024. We are monitoring impacts closely during this first year. Balance the cost of the scheme with supporting as many people as possible. S13a Discretionary Discount for those suffering exceptional hardship as a result of the changes. No proposed changes for 25/26 apart from uprating. Now running a CTS Review program but customers need to be encouraged to report changes.
Council Tax From 1 April 2024: Following a change in legislation the additional empty premium of 100% will be charged one year from the date the property becomes empty on or after 1 April 2024. If the one-year anniversary of the property becoming empty is before 1 April 2024 the increased premium charge will apply on 1 April 2024. From 1 April 2025 a 100% premium will be applied (meaning the Council Tax is doubled) to second homes (meaning it is furnished and no one's sole or main residence). Single Person Discount review is underway.
Discretionary Housing Payment Since 1 April 2024 we have received 747 applications for DHP. We have paid (or committed to pay up to 31 March 2025) 316,215.76 Funding this year was 458,298.00 but Dorset Council topped this up by a further 100,000.00 from the Cost of Living Fund. So we have 232,082.24 remaining with 5 months left.
And finally Workloads in Benefits Team is holding at a round 7 days behind. We are starting to prepare for end of year now - System closedown for end of year will be w/c 17 February 2025 We are waiting with excitement and anticipation to see what next week's budget will bring Council Tax reforms????? Date for your diary 6 December 2024. The Revenues and Benefits Service will be attending a full team training day so our phone lines will be closed.
