Freud: Councils’ Chance to Shape Universal Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Local Government Association (LGA) have jointly issued a prospectus calling on local authorities to deliver pilots to support residents in preparation for the introduction of Universal Credit in 2013.  The pilots will focus on delivering the face-to-face support people may need to make claims for Universal Credit, providing help to get online and encouraging financial independence.  They are in addition to the Government-backed demonstration projects - which start in June - where six housing associations and councils will be piloting the impacts of paying housing benefit directly to tenants.  Lord Freud said: “Local authorities will have a role in supporting residents to claim Universal Credit and these pilots create an opportunity for councils to be at the forefront of shaping that role working with DWP and other partners.  Universal Credit is a radical reform and we expect strong bids from councils working with local groups to help people access online services and to encourage financial independence.”  Download a copy of the prospectus from the LGA website.