Direct Payment Demonstration Projects - Latest Findings

The DWP has published its latest report into the Universal Credit demonstration projects testing the payment of housing benefit direct to social housing tenants.  Among comments made by housing providers taking part in the projects were;

"Our experience shows that some of the triggers for arrears are: delays in payment, lifestyle changes, change of household and the impacts of welfare reform.” (Oxford City Council and Green Square)

"Having trialled the 12-week arrears level, we believe that 12 weeks has proved to be too long a timeline to trigger switchback, as it enables the rent arrears debt to escalate to a level which can become unmanageable, and difficult for the customer to recover from, particularly where other debts exist.”

(Shropshire Council, Bromford Group, Sanctuary and the Wrekin Housing Trust)

“The rent collection process demands considerably more effort for a lower rate of return.  Staffing levels are well above those for “business as usual” (Bron Afon Community Housing, Charter Housing and Torfaen County Borough Council)

Download a copy of the report from the DWP website.