Changes proposed to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland

While there are many challenges being faced by people in poverty as a result of the Universal Credit, two of the biggest include the delay in receiving payments as well as an increasing number of evictions. Mr Storey, who is the Minister for Social Development in Northern Ireland, has proposed some changes that many people think may make the system more fair for the most vulnerable, and they address some of those problems.

While the rollout across the nation has been slow and is behind schedule, for those that are now receiving payments and that rent their home, anywhere from 10-20% of families are in arrears and are threatened by homelessness. Mr. Storey and others state this is due to the fact that people are not receiving the advice they need on budgeting, and they want to try to reduce homelessness in Northern Ireland.

About 15 pc of people in Northern Ireland have had some other problem when applying. This can be lack of a computer to apply from, no advice on budgeting, or complications with the system.

One change proposed is that the housing payment will be made directly to the landlord, whether it is social or private housing. This will be done by default for almost all tenants, but they will be able to opt out if they meet certain conditions.

This should have the effect of ensuring the rent payment is made on time and that no arrears occurs. Of all the bills that need to be paid as a result of the Universal Credit, the housing payment may be the most important. This change will reduce homelessness.

Another proposal is to increase the funding for discretionary housing payments, and extend it to the social housing sector in Northern Ireland. This will also help families and the vulnerable with rent arrears, and it is estimated that almost 50,000 people could benefit from this.

Another problem is the delay for claimants, as it can take five weeks or more for benefits to start being paid to the individual, and Mr. Storey wants to reduce this time frame to one fortnight. This will allow people to receive the cash they need it much less time, so it will help them as they budget and are faced with different bills such as food or fuel.

Mr. Storey also wants Northern Ireland to create a hardship fund. This will provide additional cash assistance in a crisis to help reduce any problems that are faced by the vulnerable with the continued rollout of the Universal Credit. There will be as much as £30 million in this fund, and applications will need to be submitted by anyone seeking help.

The programme has not started in Belfast yet, but some area, such as Warrington, have started to enroll claimants. The Ministry is stating that if any changes can be made, now is the time to do it, before the credit is extended to even more people.