Rent arrears strategy plan

Housing officials unveil way forward

Housing officials have outlined their strategy in trying to bring down rent arrears in the face of growing pressures from changes to welfare benefits.

Key to the strategy, explained at the meeting of the Community Policy Development and Scrutiny panel, is engagement with tenants facing financial difficulties.

Members of the panel, including the Tenants Network representatives heard Alison Smith, Housing Management and Community Safety Manager deliver a presentation on Income Management.

It comes as figures continue to show the climb in arrears on the back of the benefit changes.

In the latest area to reveal figures, North Livingston, the amount of arrears has gone up by £62,000 in a year.

The West Lothian overall position has increased by £593,408 from last year and at the start of October was £2. 4m.

Universal Credit was introduced in May. At the start of July, 1142 tenancies were identified as Universal Credit households with 1010 (88 per cent) of those in arrears.

On average 50 tenancies are moving onto Universal Credit per week

Housing officers have put support in place for customers experiencing financial hardship.

The goal is to maximise collection and recover council charges efficiently as possible.

Alison Smith explained that the teams provide a joined up approach across departments; CIS/ CSC/ Housing/Revenues.

Officers also set realistic / sustainable repayment arrangements and offer all reasonable assistance to prevent spiral of debt and provide appropriate advice and assistance to customers to maximise their income.

Two case studies were highlighted, both illustrating the months- long process involved, and the level of engagement needed by officers both to help tenants who are willing to work with the council and to evict those who are unwilling to pay rents.