Guidance

LA Welfare Direct 10/2021

Updated 20 December 2021

Contact

Queries about the:

• technical content of this bulletin, contact details are given at the end of each article
• general content and distribution of this bulletin, contact [email protected]

Who should read

All Housing Benefit (HB) staff

Action

For information

Editorial

Hi, it’s my turn to cover the Editorial this month and a busy month it’s proving to be for us all! I’m sure you will have seen recent communications we’ve sent to Revenues and Benefits teams on the support being put in place for Afghan refugees and those who are yet to apply for the European Union Settlement Scheme. We continue to work and monitor the processes being put in place and I offer our continued thanks for your efforts in supporting these customers at this time.

The conference season is in full swing and many of you may have heard our own Jonathan Bottomer (Head of the Performance Development Team) speak at the HB Info conference last month. Jonathan told me the session was really positive and we look forward to seeing many of you at the IRRV National Conference next week (as I type this). Clare Elliott will be speaking around the central and local government response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Housing Benefit (HB) terms and two members of my team Alan Brown and Beverley Winnemore will be manning our stand; please go over and say hello to them.

In my area the focus at the moment (in addition to managing all the communications to yourselves and supporting the changes mentioned above) is looking towards next year and the launching of HB Award Accuracy Initiative and Verify Earnings and Pensions for financial year ending 2023. We have been engaging with the Practitioners’ Operational Group on this as it develops and will endeavour to make announcements in good time for the forthcoming financial year.

Until next time, do take care.

Darren Baker
Head of Change and Communications, Fraud, Error and Debt Team
Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery division

Student uprating for financial year ending March 2022

Disregards for travel, books and equipment

1. The rates for the travel grant disregard and the books and equipment disregard have been frozen since 2010 and are again this year. For the academic year 2021 to 2022 the disregard rates will remain at £303 in respect of travel and £390 in respect of books and equipment.

Loans, grants and tuition fees

2. Details about the financial support available to new and existing students can be found as follows:

England

• student finance loans and grants and student finance for existing students

Scotland

• Funding Your Studies - Student Information

Wales

• Student finance: higher education - GOV.WALES

3. If you need further information on student uprating contact [email protected]

Payment Deduction Programme revisions files process (Capita and Civica systems only)

4. A conference call was held on 21 September 2021 for all local authorities (LAs) using Capita and Civica systems. The purpose of the call was to give LAs the opportunity to ask questions/discuss the Payment Deduction Programme (PDP) revision files process that is currently in place (see bulletin HB G11/2017) to:

• resolve why non-genuine revisions are still being created
• update LAs on our findings from our review so far

5. If you were unable to dial into the call a recall facility is available until 21 October 2021. The link to this and a brief outline of the call can be found on Glasscubes.

6. We are continuing to work with LAs to try to eradicate the non-genuine revisions with the aim of switching on the automation as soon as possible.

7. If you have any questions about the content of this article email [email protected]

Department for Work and Pensions’ data sharing with LAs for the purposes of assessing free school meal eligibility

8. Recently, a number of LAs from all parts of the UK have contacted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to request that we share more data with them to support them in assessing eligibility for free school meals (FSM). This short article aims to provide LAs with clarity on the latest position.

England and Wales

9. LAs in England and Wales have access to the Department for Education (DfE) Eligibility Checking System (ECS). This system includes all DWP data relevant to assessing FSM eligibility and, when used, returns a simple Yes or No answer. Any improvement suggestions related to this service should be directed to DfE via the links on the website.

Scotland

10. Due to the different eligibility criteria for FSM in Scotland, LAs in Scotland cannot use the ECS. The Scottish Government remains in contact with DWP about the possibility of a data share for this purpose, which would require a change to legislation before it could happen.

11. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

HB circular A9/2021 published on www.gov.uk

12. Please be aware, circular HB A9/2021 can be found on our HB pages on www.gov.uk and provides guidance about the Social Security (Habitual Residence and Past Presence) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1034), which came into force on 15 September 2021, and apply to certain persons who have come to Great Britain (GB) from Afghanistan in connection with the collapse of the Afghan government that took place on 15 August 2021.

Publication of HB Speed of Processing statistics for April to June 2021

13. The department published Housing Benefit (HB) Speed of Processing statistics and associated data for quarter 4 (Q4) on Wednesday 28 July 2021.

Some key points

14. During Q4 for financial year ending (FYE) March 2021 there were 91,000 new HB claims and 3.9 million change of circumstances to existing HB claims processed in GB.

15. For new HB claims, there has been an increase of 3,000 (3%) since last the quarter and a decrease of 1,800 (2%) since Q4 FYE March 2020.

16. For change of circumstances to existing HB claims, there has been an increase of 2.6 million (200%) since the last quarter and a decrease of 650,000 (14%) since Q4 FYE March 2020.

New Claims

17. The average time taken to process a new HB claim during Q4 FYE March 2021 was 19 calendar days. This is 2 days higher than Q4 of FYE March 2020.

Change of Circumstances

18. The average number of days taken to process a change of circumstance to an existing HB claim during Q4 FYE March 2021 was 3 calendar days. This is the same as Q4 of FYE March 2020.

To note

19. HB datasets do not include figures for Hackney LA from October 2020, as a result of a cyber-attack suffered by the LA impacting data provision. Therefore, Speed of Processing figures for Hackney will be omitted, in line with our standard approach for handling missing data. Analysis for Hackney using historical data shows that this is likely to affect volumes of HB claims by 1% at GB level and around 5% at regional (London) level. Speed of Processing figures are not impacted by the omission.

20. The data in this release should be seen in context with operational emergency measures, policy changes and easements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LA subsidy workshops in 2022

21. In the first quarter of 2021, the Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery (LA-PED) division held a number of HB subsidy workshops. The feedback from those LAs that attended was extremely positive. As a result, LA-PED is proposing to hold a further series of subsidy workshops scheduled for January to February 2022.

22. LA-PED plan to deliver these workshops via a remote platform. However, we will also consider running a number of centrally located face to face workshops to run alongside the remote delivery subject to numbers and interest.

23. As in previous years, LA-PED intends to hold separate workshops for LA staff both new and more experienced to subsidy.

Workshops for LA staff new to subsidy

24. These workshops will provide an introduction to subsidy, with a particular focus on the arrangements for claiming and payment of subsidy as well as:

• applicable deadlines
• the mechanics of the final subsidy claim form
• the responsibilities of LAs (including the completion and oversight of subsidy forms), the department and auditors
• and an overview of assurance arrangements

25. Anyone wishing to attend one of these workshops should email an expression of interest to [email protected] quoting LA staff new to subsidy workshop in the body of the email.

Workshops for LA staff experienced in subsidy

26. It is intended that these workshops will focus on 2 elements of the HB Assurance Process, firstly to review the financial year ending March 2021 COVID-19 assurance easements and the ongoing impact and, secondly, a review of the error causes and associated good practices that could be aligned to reduce the reported error rates. Pre submitted topics and subsidy issues will be built into the workshop presentation and discussed in an open forum session.

27. Anyone wishing to attend the experienced workshops should email an expression of interest to [email protected] quoting LA staff experienced in subsidy workshops in the body of the email.

Additional information we need for both workshops

28. Additionally, it would be helpful if interested attendees could include any subsidy issues or areas of learning they would like to discuss in either workshop. We also ask that you indicate a preference for remote or face to face delivery.

29. We would be grateful if expressions of interest are emailed by 30 October 2021, with the subject header ‘HB Subsidy workshops 2022’.

Secondment opportunity in Housing Policy Division

30. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an LA secondee to join the Housing Policy Division (HPD). HPD is responsible for the maintenance and development of policy for HB and housing support within Universal Credit (UC). Our work involves developing, designing and implementing new policy initiatives as well as existing policies.

31. The successful secondee will work on a mixture of high-profile policy areas, including understanding how to improve the quality and value for money from housing support expenditure as well as working with LAs to understand what is working in particular geographical areas.

32. It will involve liaising with internal and external delivery partners on cross cutting work, utilising their skills to improve guidance and drafting high quality Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests, which will need to be replied to in a tight timeframe to ensure compliance with Parliamentary standards.

Personal requirements

33. Candidates should possess the following:

• good understanding of HB procedures and regulations
• good drafting and communication skills
• ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with LAs and other stakeholders
• ability to work with people at different levels in the organisation and to work as part of a team to achieve results
• ability to deliver work at pace and with successful, quantifiable outcomes

Further information

34. The secondment is offered for an initial period of 6 months which will be extended by a further 6 months if all parties (the individual, their LA and DWP) are happy to do so. The post will be based in one of our policy ‘hubs’ (Sheffield, Leeds, London) and in line with the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, home working is currently supported for this role with a transition to hybrid working.

35. Neither travelling expenses nor a move at public expense can be considered

36. If you are keen to undertake this role and are at SO1/SO2/PO1/PO2 (roughly equates to Civil Service HEO grade with a salary around £31,208 - £38,405) please:

• check with your LA that you could be released; and then
• send your CV by email to [email protected] before the closing date on 15 October 2021

Secondment opportunities in the Local Authority Partnership, Engagement and Delivery division

37. Working with LAs, as one of our major stakeholders in Welfare Reform, continues to feature heavily and for this reason we value the expertise and knowledge that LA HB experts can bring to the team. These secondment opportunities provide an opportunity to gain an insight and experience of policy development and workings of central government.

38. LA-PED has had a programme of bringing HB experts from LAs in to work alongside Data Sharing, Subsidy, Change and Performance teams on secondment. We are now looking to register your interest for further secondment opportunities over the coming months.

39. LA-PED comprises approximately 120 staff. The division is responsible for overseeing the performance of LAs in their delivery of HB. It monitors a range of performance data including how quickly and accurately HB is paid and the prevention and detection of fraud and error. LA-PED offer support and challenge to those LAs not meeting performance expectations.

40. It supports a large program of data sharing activity that is paramount in helping LAs pay the correct amount of HB and is heavily involved in managing change activity supporting the Welfare Reform agenda.

41. It’s is also responsible for paying’s HB Administration Subsidy, DHP’s, New Burdens and additional grant funding.

42. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in maintaining and improving stakeholder relationships between DWP and LAs and in designing innovative opportunities for closer working during this busy and complex period of welfare reform.

Personal requirements

43. Candidates should possess the following:

• good understanding of HB procedures and regulations
• good drafting and communication skills
• ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with LAs and other stakeholders
• ability to work with people at different levels in the organisation and to work as part of a team to achieve results
• ability to deliver work at pace and with successful, quantifiable outcomes

Further information

44. Secondment posts would be offered for either 12 months or 24 months dependant on the role offered across the division. The posts would usually be full time and based across the country, although no moves at public expense would be considered. These opportunities will be determined by business need so your CV will be kept on file and you will be contacted once a suitable opportunity arises.

45. If you are keen to register your interest and are at S01/S02/SO3 and Pay Band level 4 or equivalent, (roughly equates to civil service HEO/SEO/G7 grades) please:

• check with your LA that you could be released; and then
• send your CV by email to [email protected]

HB decisions by the Upper Tribunal

46. Decision Making and Appeals Leeds is aware of the following HB case that has been decided by the Upper Tribunal (UT):

• CH/1720/20: Claimant appeal upheld. Contrivance. Tribunal erred in law because it did not consider whether, on its findings of fact, the new tenancy agreement had in fact conferred an improper advantage on the claimant.

47. A selection of decisions of the UT are published on their website. Do be aware that there is an undefined time lapse between decisions being issued and their appearance on the website.

48. If you have any queries about cases before the UT Judges or courts, please contact us by email at [email protected]

New Legislation

49. The following Statutory Instruments (SIs) have been laid:

• Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) and Discretionary Housing Payments (Grants) Amendment Order 2021 laid on 13 September 2021
• Social Security (Habitual Residence and Past Presence) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 laid on 14 September 2021

50. Copies of SIs can now be downloaded from legislation.gov.uk.

What’s new on our HB pages on GOV.UK

51. The following items can be found on the website link shown:

Document Type	Subject	Link
LAWD9/2021	Editorial Update: Housing Benefit Matching Service prisoner rules New Legislation What’s new on our HB pages on GOV.UK	LAWD9/2021
LAWDLite9/2021	Advance notice: Discretionary Housing Payments mid-year estimate form for financial year ending March 2022 (England and Wales only) Reminder: Request for LA update to the Apollo Register Future Support Offer grant funding to support people to claim Universal Credit Apollo Register Terms and Conditions form attached as a separate Appendix A	LAWDLite9/2021
A8/2021	The Domestic Abuse Support (Relevant Accommodation and Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2021	A8/2021
A9/2021	The Social Security (Habitual Residence and Past Presence) (Amendment) Regulations 2021	A9/2021
S10/2021(Revised)	Mid-year Discretionary Housing Payments government contribution for English and Welsh local authorities for the financial year ending March 2022	S10/2021(revised)