Issue - meetings

Ward/Division Affected: All

Purpose:

The UK Government is continuing to implement its programme of welfare reform. The programme has a number of policy objectives, to encourage those on benefits to find work and to move away from dependency on benefits payments, whilst at the same time contributing a significant proportion of savings towards Governmental public spending reductions.

The report summarises the main impacts of the welfare reform programme particularly with reference to reductions in Housing Benefit and the ability of Monmouthshire households to afford their rental payments. It includes reference to a further significant reform, the lowering of the household Benefit Cap.

The main practical mitigation offered by the Council is via the administration of Discretionary Housing Payments to assist customers to meet the rent shortfall incurred due to the welfare reforms. Cabinet is asked to consider the revised Discretionary Housing Payment Policy.

Author: Richard Davies, Head of Shared Benefits Service

Contact Details: Richard.davies@torfaen.gov.uk

To approve the Discretionary Housing Payment Policy attached below and to reaffirm the criteria for decision making.

To note the recommendations of the Adult Select Committee scrutiny as noted in paragraph 4.19 below.

That Cabinet are alerted of any shortfall as soon as is possible, for further consideration.