Rent Arrears Up 20 Per Cent In First Three Months Of Universal Credit

Universal Credit has caused a 20 per cent rise in rent arrears from East Lothian Council tenants in just three months since it was introduced. A report to the local authority shows that the change to Universal Credit has seen rent arrears rise by £242,000. The net year on year increase, calculated at 12 per cent, or £157,000, has almost entirely wiped out the council’s success in reducing rent arrears in since 2014. Additional time spent by staff in dealing with the impact of the new benefit is costed at nearly £8,000 and average rent arrears stands at £898.89, compared with £589.49 for those not yet on the benefit. Read more on the Scottish Housing News website.