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.
