Caerphilly County Borough Council has revealed details of some of the changes residents can expect to their benefits when a new pilot scheme is introduced.
The council has been selected to pilot UK Government reforms of the welfare system. Universal Credit combines tax credits and benefits in one programme and is intended to make the benefits system less complex.
Some of the changes will be introduced from April 2013. Universal Credit is to be phased in for those of working-age over a three year period starting in October 2013.
One of the main changes relate to housing benefits. Council tenants and registered social landlord tenants will see a change to their housing benefits.
From April 1 2013, the amount of housing benefit paid to working-age tenants who live in council or Registered Social Landlord (RSL) properties, will be reduced if, according to the new criteria set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), they have more bedrooms than the family composition needs. This is called under occupation.
Other benefits that will also be affected include Council Tax benefit.
Cllr Keith Reynolds, deputy leader of council, said: “We want to ensure that local people are aware of these forthcoming changes that are being introduced by central government and are able to access the help and support they need in order to understand how Universal Credit will work.”
Further information can be found on the council’s website:
Housing benefit changes
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/underoccupation
Benefit changes – Welfare Reform Act 2012
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/benefitschanges