NAC faces up to effects of cuts

Councillor Willie Gibson, NAC Council Leader, warns that the government’s changes to the benefits system ‘are the most significant … in 60 years and will affect people across North Ayrshire.’

The facts are grim. More than 2,600 households in North Ayrshire may see housing benefits reduced under new rules about levels of occupation. A single person, for example, living in a two-bedroom property could have their housing benefit reduced by 14 per cent. Plans are in place to contact those households affected to provide tenants with support and advice in terms of the reduction in their benefit entitlement and their housing options.

From next April, NAC, in common with all local authorities, will be made responsible for administering the Scottish Welfare Fund, which provides Community Care grants and crisis grants. For the first time, more than 8,000 households will be paying their full rent directly to the Council under the new Universal Credit benefits system – to be introduced over four years from next October.

There is considerable disquiet about the effects that this system will have, and NAC is clearly doing its best to prepare whatever defences and help it can muster. A working group was established last February and has an action plan to support people in North Ayrshire when the changes come into effect. The group includes staff from housing, finance, social services, economic development and education.

Tenants will be offered support with budgeting, opening bank accounts, advice on payment and help from the Council’s Money Matters team. Council tax benefit is not set to change but Councillor Gibson warns that it may change in the future.