Controversial credit already hiking up housing rent arrears

Changes: Rise is only small but noticeable, admits council house chief

Small ripples of the effects of Universal Credit are already being felt on the Angus Council house rent arrears account.

The recent introduction of controversial changes to benefits has seen a small increase in arrears, the council’s housing boss has admitted.

In the latest update on local authority efforts to chase almost 6,000 current and former tenants for arrears totalling close to £2.5 million, as of October 2, Angus had 2,832 current tenant arrears cases totalling £1.11m and 2,876 former tenant cases, totalling £1.29m.

Housing chief Stewart Ball, in a report to the policy and resources committee said: “A snapshot of current cases shows a relatively small increase in arrears based on arrears balances from when they went on to Universal Credit to their current rent arrears.”

He added: “The caseload at this time is not having any immediate cause for concern.

“However, the divisions involved in collection of monies are monitoring this carefully. This will be difficult to monitor and report on separately, as a result.

“Any implications from Universal Credit will, of course, reflect in the overall arrears position and indicative figures will be shown in future reports, based on availability of information.”

Mr Ball went on to say: “Efforts are ongoing to pursue outstanding monies and since April 2017, there have been more than 13,076 actions taken, including more than 3,261 visits to tenants or ex-tenants.

“Since April, 121 court actions have been taken.

“There have been 27 cases where the council has been awarded a decree by the court since April.

“Approximately 12% of decrees obtained have ended with an eviction and 16 tenants have been evicted since the last report to committee, with arrears totalling £39,463.”

Following the recent introduction of the new system, Kirriemuir and Dean SNP councillor Julie Bell said she feared Universal Credit would leave people struggling to survive.

“People are going to be starting off with six weeks arrears for rent. It is a disaster,” she said.

“I would reiterate again, speak to housing and to the welfare rights team. Angus Council’s housing department have been working really hard to raise awareness.”

gbrown@thecourier.co.uk

“People are going to be starting off with six weeks arrears for rent. It is a disaster