Support group guides claimants through the maze

A new group is being established by Stirling Council to ensure residents on Universal Credit continue to be supported.

Universal Credit was piloted in Stirling during May 2015 for a small percentage of residents, and fully implemented earlier this year for anyone of working age on a low income in or out of work.

As of November 30 this year, 534 of 612 Stirling Council tenants claiming Universal Credit were in arrears.

Of the £462,279 total arrears attributed to the 612 accounts, the amount blamed on complications with Universal Credit was £129,598. The figure is expected to increase as more Universal Credit claims are made.

At the latest council meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to establish a Universal Credit short life working group to continue to monitor the impact on residents.

The group, made up of chosen councillors with wide remits, is focusing on how people who apply and receive Universal Credit interact with the council, and how they are supported by council services.

The establishment of the group was recommended following a motion by community planning and regeneration convener Chris Kane.

Councillor Kane said,“Universal Credit was rolled out in Stirling on June 28 and what became apparent very quickly was that it was having a big impact across multiple council services.

“This working group has cross party support and will look at how we resource our services and our staff, who are doing an excellent job under challenging circumstances.

“We need to ensure council policies and procedures are robust, flexible and able to provide support and mitigation to those who need our help the most.”

The group will report back to council within six months with recommendations for any changes or enhancements required to council policies, procedures or resources to continue to assist those in receipt of Universal Credit.

Measures taken so far by the council include training for staff from housing, revenues and benefits, advice services, employability, social work and libraries to provide support to those applying for Universal Credit.

It is also providing help through Advice Stirling, which is delivering money, debt and benefit advice as well as personal budgeting support. As Universal Credit can only be claimed online, council libraries are providing access to IT and digital support and offering free training in digital skills. Contact Advice Stirling on 01786 233528 or email moneyadvice@stirling.gov.uk.